Rangers made the right call blocking a bid from Leeds United for in-form winger Ryan Kent, former Scottish Premiership ace Tam McManus has told PLZ Soccer.
When Marcelo Bielsa is hooked on a player, it can be difficult for the Argentine to let go.
And, not for the first time since he arrived at Elland Road in 2018, Leeds’ bucket-perching tactician set his sights on bringing a former Barnsley loanee back to Yorkshire this summer.
Unfortunately for Bielsa, however, Steven Gerrard is a big fan of Kent too.
‘Hands off’ was the message from the Rangers boss in August, with Gerrard confirming to talkSPORT the Glasgow giants had rejected a £10 million offer from the Premier League newcomers.
Three months on and with Kent in the form of his life and firing Rangers 11 points clear at the top of the table, the decision to rebuff Leeds’ advances looks an inspired, potentially title-winning one.
“Ryan Kent was outstanding. His goal was brilliant,” McManus says after the one-time Liverpool youngster rattled in a sixth goal of the season in Sunday’s 4-0 thrashing of Aberdeen.
“I think he is, without doubt, the best player in Scotland at the minute and a key player for Rangers.
“Look at not selling him in the window. That was great from Rangers’ point of view.
“That really sent a message out to the supporters – we mean business this season.”
Leeds spend £18 million instead to bring Brazilian flyer Raphinha to Elland Road from Rennes and, while he’s yet to really get going after a couple of fitness issues, there have been enough flashes of quality to suggest he’ll be worth every penny.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
