As the options reportedly stack up for Rangers winger Ryan Kent, interest from Premier League-bound Burnley could yet depend on what happens with Southampton loanee Nathan Tella.
Speaking to the Athletic, Burnley investor JJ Watt admitted that the Clarets are trying to make a deal for the 19-goal attacker permanent following a blistering season on loan at Turf Moor.
With Southampton also being relegated this season, Burnley will take their place in the top flight and it’s certainly complicated matters, with Watt claiming things are “up in the air”.
“I love Nathan, it’s his smile, his infectious attitude and he’s a great player,” said Watt.
“I’m hopeful we can get something done but it’s kind of up in the air at the moment.”
Burnley want Nathan Tell deal amid Ryan Kent links
Nathan Tella has been a revelation on loan at Burnley this season, with the 23-year-old’s return of 17 Championship goals helping fire the club to promotion.
It’s clear that Burnley want to make the deal permanent and Rangers fans will have one eye on what happens here as they mull over the future of Ryan Kent.
If the Premier League side cannot secure a permanent deal for Nathan Tella, perhaps they will push the reported interest in Ryan Kent harder. Conversely, perhaps any permanent Tella deal could warn them off Kent.
While it is pretty much universally accepted the former Liverpool talent will leave the club following the expiration of his contract, Michael Beale hasn’t exactly said as much.
Compare that with the words of the Rangers manager on Alfredo Morelos, who he has claimed will definitely leave the Ibrox side, and suddenly things are a little up in the air.
Kent is certainly set to have a range of options going into next season if the latest reports are to be believed, with interest from Burnley just the tip of the iceberg.
There have also been high-profile links to the likes of Fenerbahce in Turkey and Club Brugge in Belgium, the Pro League side having tried to sign Kent before Rangers did in 2019.
