The Scottish Sun reports that Aston Villa are preparing a £10 million bid for Ryan Kent.
The electric 22-year-old winger impressed on loan at Ibrox from Liverpool this season and was crowned SFA Young Player of the Year.
Rangers fans are desperate to extend his stay in Glasgow. Yet, the club is unlikely to be able to afford an eight-figure transfer fee.
If Villa do indeed table a £10 million offer, it would make little sense for Liverpool to reject it in favour of sending Kent back to Ibrox on loan.
Many would consider that a big blow to the Gers’ title hopes for next season. However, for one player, it would undoubtedly be a positive development.
Jamie Murphy.
The 29-year-old former Premier League operator missed almost the entire season with a knee injury.
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However,
much to the excitement of the fans, he had returned to training by the end of the campaign, so should be fit and ready for pre-season.
If Kent were to come back, though, Murphy would find it extremely difficult to get into the team. Both players prefer to operate on the left flank, and due to his 2018/19 displays, Kent is in possession of the shirt.
Furthermore, Jordan Jones is Ibrox-bound. The Northern Ireland international also prefers to play on the left, providing even more competition for a single slot.
Up against two highly capable rivals, Murphy would be faced with the prospect of limited playing time.
However, if Kent heads elsewhere, the pathway into the side is considerably clearer.
During the second half of the 17/18 campaign, he registered four goals and seven assists. He’s proven before that he can do the job and if Villa block Kent’s return, he should get plenty of opportunities to show his worth under Gerrard.
