Aston Villa are reportedly considering making a late approach for Rangers winger Ryan Kent, who has entered the final year of his contract at Ibrox.
According to Pete O’Rourke on Football Fancast, Aston Villa are considering making a last-ditch move for Ryan Kent, with Steven Gerrard keen on the bringing in the English winger since joining the Midlands club. The 25-year-old has entered the final year of his deal at Ibrox.
Aston Villa have significantly improved their squad using the summer transfer window and could yet be in the market for recruits before the deadline. Steven Gerrard has urged the club to look for an opportunity that adds quality to the team and will be alert if anything comes up late.
Kent has been at Rangers since 2018, and a year later, the Scottish club signed him permanently by paying Liverpool around £6.5 million. The 25-year-old winger has been a solid presence at Ibrox, even helping them win the Scottish Premiership in 2020/21.
However, since Gerrard’s departure in November last year, the Englishman has been linked with a reunion with his former manager at Aston Villa. Many expected the Villans to sign the Rangers star in January, but nothing materialised, although he remains on the radars of multiple other clubs.
Gerrard wants another attacker in this window and is eyeing players who could be utilised in various roles up front. Kent has thus emerged as a potential target for Aston Villa, with the English winger able to provide versatility and give a different dimension to the front three.
Kent could be considered an excellent opportunity to get a bargain deal done by Aston Villa as he has entered the final year of his contract with Rangers. The Scottish giants would ideally want suitors to trigger his £20 million release clause, but they are reportedly worried about his current situation.
Aston Villa may sense that they have the room to negotiate and bring the price tag to a reasonable level. They have also set sights on Sekou Mara as an option, although they are yet to follow up thoroughly for the attacker.
Kent could be a wide addition, considering he has played extensively under Gerrard and knows the manager’s style. The Aston Villa boss will be keen to tie up a deal, although if a move happens, it could be late in the window, something the Premier League outfit anticipate.
