Journalist Pete O’Rourke has claimed that Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard would love to work with Ryan Kent again next season.
The 25-year-old winger is now approaching the final year of his £52k-per-week contract at Ibrox, with a move away most likely in the offing for the forward as he embarks on the next steps of his career.
It proved a successful campaign for the former Liverpool man aiding the club to an unprecedented UEFA Europa League final date with Eintracht Frankfurt, and a Scottish Cup triumph, whilst also registering three goals and a team-high 20 assists in all competitions.
According to a report from 90Min, the Gers were planning to offer Kent a new contract but are wary that they won’t be able to match the money on offer in the Premier League, with Leeds United, Everton, Wolves and Fulham all interested whilst Villa have also been credited with an interest for the forward.
And journalist O’Rourke has stated that Gerrard would love to partner up with Kent again at Villa Park.
He told GIVEMESPORT:
“It [Gerrard factor] would give them an advantage over any other team in the Premier League if they do decide to push forward with a deal for Ryan Kent.
“I think Gerrard would love him back, and I’m sure Ryan Kent would really relish the opportunity of working under Steven Gerrard again.”
TIF thoughts on Kent…
Indeed, the Gerrard-factor could prove decisive if Aston Villa do firm up their interest in the Oldham-born wing-wizard.
The 25-year-old proved a crucial figure during Gerrard’s reign at Ibrox in which they were crowned Scottish league champions under his watch during the season before last.
During that year, the £12.6m-rated trickster recording an emphatic 13 goals and 15 assists from 52 appearances in all competitions, before following it up with three goals and 20 assists last year.
During his 25 Premiership appearances last season, the £52k-per-week forward proved a constant threat on Rangers’ left flank, scoring two goals, registering eight assists and creating ten big chances, as well as registering an average of 2.5 shots, making 1.7 key passes and completing 2.1 dribbles per game.
He’s certainly an influential figure in the final third, which Gerrard will need more of next term. Whether Kent can finally make the grand step up to the English top-flight remains to be seen, but playing under a manager who knows him well means it is certainly a risk worth taking.