Ryan Kent: Rangers reject Leeds United's £10m offer for winger
- Published
Ryan Kent scored Rangers' opening goal of the season against Aberdeen
Rangers have rejected an offer for winger Ryan Kent from Leeds United worth around £10m, says manager Steven Gerrard.
The 23-year-old Englishman joined Rangers from Liverpool for a fee reported to be £6.5m in September 2019 after an initial year-long loan.
He has made 80 appearances for the Glasgow club, scoring 16 goals.
"The message is hands off - Ryan is a player we want to keep hold of," Gerrard said.
"Yes we've had contact from Leeds. An opening bid has been strongly rejected. They are way, way off with that opening bid. That's the truth and the reality. He's a player who is not for sale."
Kent, who was linked with Leeds before joining Rangers, came through the youth ranks at Anfield and had loan spells with Coventry City, Barnsley, Freiburg and Bristol City before heading for the Scottish Premiership.
"Ryan is a player we admire very much here and we have seen him develop," Gerrard added. "He is progressing very quickly and is a player we want to keep hold of.
"We want the player to stay here, as do the board. The fans love him also and Leeds will need to respect that. They need to really think hard if they want to come in again. I have spoken to Ryan and he is totally focused on the match tomorrow [against Kilmarnock at Ibrox]."
'Kent fits bill for Bielsa' - analysis
BBC Radio Leeds' Adam Pope
Leeds United head coach Marcelo Bielsa and director of football Victor Orta have been long-term admirers of Kent, who was linked with a move to Elland Road before he joined Rangers.
Chief executive Angus Kinnear told BBC Radio Leeds yesterday that the club are looking to bring in three or four players, and Bielsa wants to strengthen his wide options. Kent fits the bill, particularly as the Leeds head coach likes versatility and he could be considered as a back-up number 10.
However, it appears they will have to up the initial bid if they are to land him.