Should Rangers be forced to lose Ryan Kent in this transfer window, then his replacement will need to offer something close to the influence the ex-Liverpool man does.
Kent is a lethal prospect and this season has already begun to show signs of considerable development as he emerges as Rangers’ main man in the quest for 55.
That’s what makes the comments of ex-Rangers man Kevin Kyle all the more ludicrous.
The former Ibrox striker was speaking about Leeds United’s reported £14m interest in Gers winger Kent and suggested Scottish Premiership star Martin Boyle as a suitable replacement.
“I think Kent, he could be replaced by a (Martin Boyle, of Hibernian),” Kyle told Open Goal.
“What do you want in a winger? You want somebody to get at the full-backs. Martin Boyle does that week in, week out, so why not?
“I think he would be a very cheap replacement and I think we would get just as much quality. People might disagree with that.
“I’m not saying he’s at the same level (as Kent). What I’m saying is, we’re in the Scottish game.
“If Martin Boyle is ripping it up for Hibs against most teams, week in, week out, in the Premier League playing with Rangers, Martin Boyle should be able to do the same.
“Maybe with a bit more quality because he’s surrounded by a bit more quality. In terms of the league he’s in, Martin Boyle would be able to a job for any of the teams, I would think.”
In fairness to Kyle and Boyle, the Hibs winger has been on sparkling form at the beginning of the season and deserves every credit for contributing to the Easter Road club’s strong start.
Some Rangers fans have even mused over the idea of signing the winger, who’s hit two goals for Hibs this season, before now.
But the notion that Boyle would represent a suitable replacement for Ryan Kent – a big game player for Rangers who performs against Celtic and in Europe – is probably a stretch too far.
Ryan Kent has reportedly told Rangers he wants to stay at the club and – whilst every bluenose is anxiously hoping that he does – Boyle would represent a significant step down in quality.
A Jacob Murphy or an Andreas Skov Olsen may be much more suitable options.
