Bournemouth have reportedly joined Leeds United in the race to sign Liverpool’s Ryan Kent.
According to The Sun, Bournemouth are keen to sign Liverpool winger Ryan Kent at the end of the season, joining Leeds United in the race for his signature.
Kent, 20, has come up through the ranks with Liverpool having joined way back in 2003, when he was aged just seven.
The winger has impressed in the Anfield setup, and after spending time on loan with Coventry City in League One last season, the Reds farmed him out again this term, allowing him to join Barnsley.
Aston Villa’s Albert Adomah (L) in action with Barnsley’s Ryan Kent
So far, Kent has notched two goals and one assist for the Tykes, starting 27 league games this term as Paul Heckingbottom’s men challenge for a Championship play-off spot.
Robert Green sends heartfelt message to Leeds United fans on Twitter after Cardiff defeat
Kent is scheduled to return to Liverpool at the end of the season, but speculation suggests that he could be sold by the Reds this summer, with The Sun claiming last week that Leeds United are interested in a £2.5million move.
Ryan Kent scores for Liverpool
However, Sunday’s edition of The Sun (p61) reports that Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe has now joined the race to sign Kent, with scouts telling him to make a summer move for the winger.
Howe splashed out for two Liverpool youngsters last summer by landing left back Brad Smith and winger Jordon Ibe, but he could look to invest in another Reds talent by making a move for Kent.
Ibe, Junior Stanislas, Ryan Fraser and Max Gradel have been unable to nail down first-team spots at Bournemouth this season, meaning Howe could look to bring in another wide man – and Kent is believed to be a top target.
Given that permanent deals for wingers Alfonso Pedraza and Modou Barrow are set up for if Leeds win promotion to the Premier League this season, Kent may be eyed as a player for the Championship at this stage in his development.
Agent responds to claims that Sadio Mane chose Liverpool over Spurs for financial reasons
At £2.5million though, it’s unclear whether Leeds would be willing to pay that having avoided a similar deal for Sergi Canos in January, whilst Premier League interest now means that Garry Monk could face a real battle if he does want to sign Kent this summer.
Do you think Kent would be better off at Bournemouth or Leeds?
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
