Rangers told to ‘protect themselves’ after source’s Ryan Kent talks reveal – McLeish
Alex McLeish has urged Rangers to “protect themselves” by tying Ryan Kent down to new contract.
The former Gers boss, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the 25-year-old is a “very important player” for Giovanni van Bronckhorst.
Ibrox sources told Football Insider on Tuesday (22 March) that club chiefs have agreed to offer Kent a new lucrative deal after internal talks.
The winger’s current contract runs until the summer of 2023.
However, the Gers will listen to offers if he rebuffs their interest, with long-term admirers Leeds United waiting in the wings.
McLeish admitted it is vital the Rangers board do what they can to tie Kent down to a new long-term contract.
McLeish told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “I really feel that they’ve got to try and protect themselves with the fact that he’s only got a year left.
“Get the security of Ryan signing another contract.
“He is a very important player for me. I was at the game against Aberdeen a couple of weeks ago. I just wanted him to get on the ball all the time.
“He was starved of it. He looked as if he was really up for the game. They fired the ball out to him a few times. He did some tricks, he could beat a man and he was exciting.
“Then he was never really in the game after that. I don’t think that was entirely his fault, I thought the players could feed him more.
“He’s certainly been in good form ever since that game.”
Kent has played 163 times for the Gers since joining on an initial loan from Liverpool.
He has made 35 appearances, scored three goals and contributed 15 assists this term.
In other news, Football Insider can reveal Rangers open to offers for another first-teamer.