‘I’d stay’: Leeds legend thinks reported £14m target should snub Elland Road switch

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Leeds United legend Mel Sterland believes Ryan Kent should stay and break Celtic’s dominance at the top of Scottish football before swapping Ibrox for Elland Road, speaking to the Daily Record.

While Steven Gerrard made it clear that an opening bid of around £10 million’ was ‘nowhere near’ the fee Rangers are demanding for their in-form winger, Marcelo Bielsa’s Premier League newcomers are not willing to give up the ghost just yet.

According to The Sun, Leeds are planning to test the waters with a second bid worth £14 million for a one-time Barnsley loanee who shone under ex-Whites boss Paul Heckingbottom at Oakwell.

But considering that talismanic top-scorer Alfredo Morelos already appears to have one foot out of the door, Rangers know that they cannot afford to see another influential member of Gerrard’s side leave if they are to wreck Celtic’s ‘ten in a row’ dreams.

The Glasgow giants will tell Leeds in no uncertain times that Kent, who has started the season with three goals in five league games, is not for sale at any price.

“It’s a difficult one for Ryan. He’s got to make a decision – stay at Rangers and try to win the league or join Leeds United and play in the English Premier League,” says Sterland, a Leeds legend who enjoyed a brief spell at Ibrox before heading south of the border in 1989.

“If I was Ryan I’d stay at Rangers. He’s only in his third season and he’s just 23 years old so he’s got plenty of time to play in the Premier League.

“Leeds United are a fantastic club and so are Rangers and Ryan has a good manager in Steven Gerrard and assistant in Gary McAllister, who I played with at Elland Road.

“So the ideal scenario for me would be for Ryan Kent to stay at Ibrox this season and win the league – and come to Leeds next season.”

Sterland is confident that Rangers, who already boast a six point lead over a Celtic side who have played two games less than their bitter rivals, will end their long wait for silverware with Kent playing a starring role.

“Everyone wants to play in the English Premier League but then everyone wants to play for Glasgow Rangers because they’re an absolutely fantastic football club and I personally think they’ll win the league this season.”

“That’s not to say it’s not tempting to join Leeds United because it’s absolutely magnificent what’s happening there and they’re finally back in the big time.”