Rangers figure ominously refuses to rule out Ryan Kent release clause

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Rangers boss Steven Gerrard has ominously refused to rule out if Ryan Kent has a release clause in his contract as Leeds United reportedly prepare to up their bid.

The Gers have rejected an offer from the Premier League new boys believed to be around £10m with Gerrard adamant the Elland Road club’s valuation of the player is “way, way off” [Rangers].

But when discussing the situation regarding the former Liverpool winger’s future Gerrard refused to rule out a Rangers release clause and admitted the situation could be “taken out” of his hands.

“Every player has different things in their contracts, that’s just the way it is,” he said [Glasgow Times].

“Negotiations take place between each individual and the club and it’s not my place to divulge what is in an individual’s contract.

“What I will say is that if the valuation of any player is met then as much as I would like the final say on it, it will probably be taken out of my hands.”

Gerrard’s comments also come after journalist Alan Nixon – who broke the transfer story in the press – claimed Leeds were set to up their bid to £14m this week [Scottish Sun].

Rangers boss Steven Gerrard also sent a clear “hands-off” message to Leeds prior to the club’s 2-0 win over Kilmarnock, where Kent scored the second goal.

But Ibrox gaffer Gerrard is well aware of the financial muscle of club’s down south and what this could mean in the coming weeks and months.

“I’m a realist,” said Gerrard [Glasgow Times].

“I’m not soft, I’m not stupid. I realise the power of Leeds now that they are a Premier League team. I get it.

“They have also got to respect and understand that he is one of our main players. He is a fantastic player.

“We have spent two years trying to build something here that is competitive. And he is a big part of that jigsaw.

“So he is someone that we want to fight to keep. But, you know, everyone has a number, a valuation. Right now, where it stands, Leeds are nowhere near that.”

Rangers spent a fee which could potentially reach £7.5m to bring Ryan Kent to Ibrox last season after an initial loan spell at the club in 18/19 where he won the PFA Scotland Young Player of the Year.