According to the Scottish Sun, Rangers are on the verge of securing a pre-contract agreement with Motherwell’s Jake Hastie.
The 19-year-old winger burst onto the scene this year and the Gers appear to have swooped.
Jake Hastie has four goals in his last five Motherwell matches. (photo by David Young/Action Plus via Getty Images)
Does signing Hastie suggest Kent will leave?
Ryan Kent arrived on a season-long loan from Liverpool, during the summer.
However, ever since he started to show what he was capable of, the Rangers fans have been clamouring for him to stay.
He ripped up the Old Firm derby in December and has delivered goals and assists in a strong start to 2019.
Kent soaks up the acclaim after an outstanding Old Firm display. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)
Speaking at an ORSA event in New Zealand, Rangers managing director, Stewart Robertson, as quoted by the
However, with the winger still contracted to Liverpool, keeping him at Ibrox wouldn’t be easy.
The length of time remaining on his deal suggests a significant fee would be required to prise him away from Anfield. Worse still, his parent club may refuse to sell altogether, so impressive have his performances been.
Ryan Kent – has four years left on Liverpool deal. He wouldn’t be cheap but if opportunity comes up to retain him we will explore it. He’s a great player. We have an excellent relationship with Liverpool but too early to say.
— Heart & Hand Podcast (@ibroxrocks) March 1, 2019
This reported move for a different winger, perhaps suggests that the club are resigned to losing Kent.
The exciting talent fires into the Livingston net, to open his 2019 Rangers account. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Jordan Jones is also on his way, after signing a pre-contract agreement.
Therefore, it seems unlikely that the club would look both to bring in Hastie, and retain Kent.
The Motherwell teenager may be an exciting talent, but ultimately, his arrival could spell disappointment for many Bears.