Whelan excited by Leeds reported raid for 26-goal/assist alternative to Ryan Kent after ‘agreement’
Noel Whelan claims Leeds United have found an alternative transfer target to Rangers winger Ryan Kent in Club Brugge star Noa Lang.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested the Whites had moved on from their pursuit of the Ibrox attacker.
The Telegraph claim Leeds are keen on striking a deal for 21-year-old Lang after his impressive loan spell with Brugge this season.
Leeds had set sights on moving for Kent this summer after failing with a bid last year.
However, as revealed by Football Insider, the 24-year-old has a gentleman’s agreement to stay for next season.
As a result, it is understood Leeds have moved on to different attacking targets.
Whelan suggested Lang could be one of the Whites’ alternative options.
“I mean Ryan Kent’s already sealed his deal at Rangers,” Whelan told Football Insider assistant editor Russell Edge.
“He’s expressed the fact that he wants to play in the Champions League. I don’t disagree with his choice there because it’s not very often many people get the chance to play in that competition.
“He seems happy at Rangers. He has proved that this season with his performance and goals and assists. I’m sure he’s looking forward to the start of next season with Steven Gerrard. The excitement of playing in the Champions League, pitting his wits against the best players in the world.
“We (Leeds) have to move on from that. You can’t dwell on that too long but like the club have done, they have a backup plan. Now looking towards a young player that has had a very successful season in Belgium on loan.
“He’s come through the right kind of way that Marcelo Bielsa wants with Ajax. He’s somebody I believe would fit very easily and very quickly into the team at Leeds United. Hopefully, another exciting player.”
Like Kent, Lang is a versatile forward capable of playing anyway across the front line, although predominantly on the left flank.
As confirmed by Ajax, Lang’s loan spell will turn into a permanent move at the end of the season.
He has netted 16 goals and contributed 10 assists in 33 appearances this season.
Meanwhile, Kent has scored 12 times in 50 games across all competitions for Rangers.
In other news, Leeds United are confident top playmaker can be signed for cut-price fee.