Alan Hutton believes his former Rangers side cannot afford to lose Ryan Kent in January amid previous speculation linking him with Leeds United. Kent is out of contract at Ibrox next summer but is reportedly no closer to signing a fresh extension with the Scottish side.
If a new deal cannot be agreed in the months leading up to the winter window, Rangers will face a big decision on whether to cash in or lose him for free next summer. Kent would be free to negotiate with foreign clubs over a pre-contract deal in January, too.
Leeds and Victor Orta have been known long-term admirers of Kent and have attempted to sign him on numerous occasions in recent years. Whether that interest still exists remains to be seen, though there would be no better time to sign him.
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Speaking to Football Insider, Hutton claimed that losing Kent in January would seriously impact their chances of pushing for the Scottish Premiership title.
“Of course, I’d love to see him sign a new deal. There’s definitely improvement there within his game, we can all see that, he’s obviously working hard.
“Again he’s a player that makes Rangers better when he’s on top form, so you don’t want to lose him either. He’s another one where I think there was a lot of speculation with the likes of Leeds, possible move back to the Premier League.
“That can upset players, it can make it difficult for them but ultimately they have to be playing in the Rangers team and playing well either for a contract or if you do want that move. To lose him in January is only going to hurt Rangers in the long run. Ultimately they’re going for the league title and you can’t be losing your best players.”
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