Gabby Agbonlahor has told Steven Gerrard to raid Rangers for Ryan Kent as one of his first transfers as Aston Villa manager after replacing Dean Smith, while speaking on talkSPORT.
The Villans announced Gerrard on a three-and-a-half-year contract on Thursday morning to end a swift search for Smith’s successor.
Smith left Villa Park on Sunday, after a fifth-straight Premier League loss left the club 16th in the table. They are also just two-points clear of the relegation zone after 11 matches.
Gerrard joins Aston Villa having taken Rangers to their first Premiership title in a decade last term. He also leaves Ibrox with the Gers top of table and in the League Cup semi-final.
The Daily Record report Aston Villa agreed to give Gerrard a huge transfer budget during discussions with CEO Christian Purslow over leaving Rangers to replace Smith as manager.
Aston Villa hero Agbonlahor believes Gerrard should now instantly return to Ibrox and raid Rangers in his first transfer window, with 25-year-old forward Kent the first name to target.
“Ryan Kent,” Agbonlahor said. “He’s an exciting player and could make the step and do a job in the Premier League.”
Agbonlahor also feels Gerrard could target Alfredo Morelos to support Ollie Watkins and Dany Ings at Aston Villa. While his Rangers captain, James Tavernier, can push Matty Cash.
“Morelos, I like the way he plays and looks like he could make the step up and give Watkins and Ings a hand,” Agbonlahor added.
“Tavernier is an outstanding right-back and could push Matty Cash.”
Should Gerrard ask Aston Villa to eye transfer for Rangers star Kent?
New Aston Villa manager Gerrard took Kent to Rangers in 2018 on loan from Liverpool and paid £7.5m to make the transfer permanent the following year after a successful season.
Kent remained a key part of Gerrard’s plans throughout their time at Ibrox, with 139 games across all competitions. He also scored 28 and assisted 33 goals, mostly from the left-wing.
The former Reds prospect has 19-months remaining on the £18k-a-week contract penned in 2019. So, Gerrard may have a chance to raid Rangers for Kent and reunite at Aston Villa.
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