Serie A duo Udinese and Bologna have reportedly joined the race to sign Ryan Kent on a free transfer when his Rangers contract expires.
With neither former Ibrox boss Steven Gerrard nor long-time admirer Marcelo Bielsa in employment south of the border these days, opportunities in the Premier League appear to have dried up somewhat for the one-time Liverpool youngster.
That is not to say, however, Ryan Kent will struggle to find a new club when he becomes a free-agent on July 1st.
Club Brugge are keen (Voetbal Nieuws). Burnley could offer Kent a chance that no longer appears to be on offer at Leeds or Aston Villa.
Both Udinese and Bologna, Tuttomercatoweb add, are weighing up moves of their own, potentially handing Kent the chance to follow in the footsteps of fellow Scottish Premiership exports Josh Doig, Liam Henderson and Aaron Hickey in Scotland’s top flight.
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Will Ryan Kent leave Rangers for Serie A?
Udinese and Bologna are ninth and tenth respectively. Stuck in that no-man’s land between the European places and the relegation spots.
If Udinese is to be Kent’s destination, the 26-year-old Englishman replace the out-of-contract veteran Roberto Pereyra. Italy U21 star Destiny Udogie, meanwhile, is on his way to Tottenham for £17 million.
Udogie has thrived as an attack-minded wing back at the Stadio Friuli. It’s tempting to wonder whether Kent could fulfil a similar role. Using his speed, running power and directness to good effect on the flank.
Rangers manager Mick Beale confirmed over the weekend that Alfredo Morelos would be leaving on a free this summer. Kent, he adds, is yet to be offered fresh terms either.
“We haven’t come forward with a contract offer for either of them,” Beale told the BBC. “Both of them have been free to speak to other clubs for a while now.
“We have had the conversations. And we’re mutually in the same place about what should happen.”
Beale would not be drawn on Kent’s next destination, however, insisting that he knows nothing linking the one-time Barnsley and Freiburg loanee with Turkish giants Fenerbahce.
Rangers are reportedly pursuing a replacement in the shape of Aris winger Luis Palma.