As the transfer window slowly creeps towards its conclusion, Rangers deserve every credit for holding off on the sale of a star man this summer.
When Leeds United reportedly bid £10m for on-form Rangers winger Ryan Kent, you can’t blame the average Rangers fan for immediately biting their nails.
But as the window reaches its end, the Ibrox club has done well to hold on this season’s star man with their defiant stance forcing Leeds to look elsewhere.
Rangers were adamant that if Leeds United were serious about signing Kent then they’d need to up their bid dramatically and despite reports of a second offer, nothing materialised.
Now, the Elland Road club have reportedly agreed a £20m deal with Rennes winger Raphinha, all but ending any lingering notion they could move for Kent on deadline day.
This news will come as a major relief to Rangers fans as the Gers resist the lure of Premier League millions, keep Kent happy and keep the squad together.
Kent isn’t the only player who has been the subject of high-profile interest which hasn’t materialised this summer.
Rangers reportedly resisted a £16.25m bid for Colombian striker Alfredo Morelos earlier in the window [Daily Mail] and the French club are not expected to return for the player before the window closes.
It means that the club’s two strongest assets will remain in Glasgow until January at the very least and for a team desperate to leave an impression on Scottish football this season, that can only be a good thing.
Even if Rangers have had to take a chance on missing out on a substantial amount of money for both players.
