Do Jurgen Klopp’s comments about Ryan Kent suggest Leeds and Aston Villa are set for disappointment?

Follow us on Google Discover

Liverpool’s Ryan Kent is reportedly wanted by Leeds United and Aston Villa in the summer transfer window.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has suggested to the club’s official website that Ryan Kent could remain in his squad for the 2017-18 campaign.

Klopp has been impressed with the performance of the 20-year-old winger in pre-season and with his development over the past year or so.

“Ryan Kent, I’ve known him for one-and-a-half years and last year he developed unbelievably well and this pre-season is completely different to last pre-season, he’s completely showed up now,” the German told Liverpool’s official website while discussing signing more players between now and the end of the summer transfer window.

“So, without paying too much money or the highest transfer fees we have additions in the squad. That’s good.”

Klopp’s comments suggest that he rates Kent highly, and that the winger may not be sent out on loan for the 2017-18 campaign.

That would come as a blow to Leeds United and Aston Villa, who have been linked with moves for the English youngster in the summer transfer window.

According to The Sun on Sunday (print edition, page 59, July 23, 2017), Championship clubs Leeds, Derby County and Middlesbrough are interested in the 20-year-old winger, with the West Yorkshire heading the race (click here to read more).

Earlier this month, The Birmingham Mail reported that Villa want to sign Kent on a season-long loan deal in the summer transfer window.

Kent is a hugely talented and promising attacker who is two-footed, has bags of skills, operates as an inverted winger and is able to take free kicks, and it does not come as a surprise why the likes of Leeds, Derby and Villa (reportedly) want him.