The former Rangers striker Kevin Kyle thinks Steven Gerrard’s side should turn to a rival club’s player if Ryan Kent leaves to join Leeds United.
Leeds had an offer for Kent rejected by Rangers last week and The Sun claims the Gers are braced for an improved bid of up to £14 million from the Premier League new boys.
The English winger is not the only key man whose Ibrox future is in doubt, with Alfredo Morelos still said to have interest from Lille.
And when asked which of the two would be the biggest loss, Kyle replied Morelos.
“I think Kent, he could be replaced by a (Martin Boyle, of Hibernian),” the 39-year-old told Open Goal.
“What do you want in a winger? You want somebody to get at the full-backs. Martin Boyle does that week in, week out, so why not? I think he would be a very cheap replacement and I think we would get just as much quality. People might disagree with that.
“I’m not saying he’s at the same level (as Kent). What I’m saying is, we’re in the Scottish game. If Martin Boyle is ripping it up for Hibs against most teams, week in, week out, in the Premier League playing with Rangers, Martin Boyle should be able to do the same. Maybe with a bit more quality because he’s surrounded by a bit more quality. In terms of the league he’s in, Martin Boyle would be able to a job for any of the teams, I would think.”
Boyle scored or made 10 goals in 20 Premiership matches for Hibernian last season, three more than Kent managed in 21 for Rangers.
But it is Kent, three-and-a-half-years Boyle’s junior, who is just edging things this time around, with three goals to the Australian’s two.
Boyle is in talks with Hibs regarding a new contract, having entered the final year of his existing deal.
Rangers fans – who should come in if Kent leaves for Leeds?
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