The 20-year-old has shone on loan at Barnsley this season and is reported to have caught the eye of Leeds United.
If there’s one position in Garry Monk’s squad that Leeds United really don’t need to consider strengthening it’s the wings. Yet, despite possessing five orthodox wideman, The Sun claimed earlier in the month that the Yorkshire giants are mulling over a £2.5 million bid for Liverpool youngster Ryan Kent.
Whether or not this suggests that Leeds are unlikely to sign Hadi Sacko or Modou Barrow on permanent deals, Kent’s performances on loan at Barnsley this season appears to justify Monk’s reported interest.
The 20-year-old may have netted just twice and provided only the one assist in Tykes colours but, as his goalscoring performance in Barnsley’s 3-2 win against Leeds in January demonstrated, Kent’s skill and speed makes him a fierce opponent when he is on form.
Yet, Leeds may have their work cut out convincing the youngster to make the move to Elland Road next season.
“[Jurgen Klopp] gave me my debut last year [in an FA Cup tie with Exeter City] and to see him giving out even more debuts this year and putting his trust in young players in big games is pivotal – it inspires you,” Kent told the club’s official website.
“Not many clubs are giving young players these opportunities, so that’s more inspiration for me to go back to Liverpool in the summer, work hard in pre-season, and push forward for the first team.”
Klopp has certainly earned the admiration of Liverpool supporters for providing a route from the club’s fabled academy into the first-team reckonings and, with Kent proving himself the league below, he could follow in the footsteps of Ben Woodburn, Kevin Stewart and co next season.
Consequently, Leeds could be fighting a losing battle if they are looking to firm up their interest in the summer.
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