Aston Villa and Sunderland are ready to challenge Leeds United for Liverpool wide man Ryan Kent.
According to the Daily Express, Liverpool winger Ryan Kent is not only wanted by Leeds United, as Aston Villa and Sunderland are among the clubs to have joined the race for his signature.
Kent, 20, joined Liverpool at the age of just seven, and has been coming up through the ranks at Anfield over the last 14 years.
Ryan Kent celebrates scoring
The winger hasn’t really made his breakthrough at Anfield just yet though, as he has made just one first-team appearance, before being sent out on loan to Coventry City and Barnsley.
Kent notched three goals and one assist in 44 appearances for Barnsley last term, and whilst he has featured for Liverpool during their pre-season preparations, he is expected to be loaned out once again.
Many have expected Kent to join Leeds United this summer, but the Daily Express claim that the Whites aren’t the only club to be in the race for his signature, with a host of Championship rivals also chasing Kent.
It’s claimed that Aston Villa, Barnsley, Bristol City, Derby County, Hull City, Middlesbrough, Reading and Sunderland are also hoping to take Kent on loan this summer, meaning he could be spoilt for choice for his next destination.
Aston Villa’s Albert Adomah (L) in action with Ryan Kent
Villa have so far focused largely on adding experienced, defensive-minded players this summer, but winger Kent could add youth and pace to Steve Bruce’s options in the final third should Villa win the race.
Meanwhile, ex-Leeds boss Simon Grayson has already struck loan deals for Everton duo Tyias Browning and Brendan Galloway, and could return to Merseyside for Kent, who could bring the attacking spark that Sunderland are looking for as they look to bounce back from relegation to the Championship.
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