Sky Sports pundit shares theory on £18k-a-week Leeds summer target aiming ‘higher’ than Elland Road

Add as preferred source on Google

Leeds United summer target Ryan Kent is “the best player in Scotland”, Sky Sports pundit Kris Boyd has written in the Scottish Sun.

The Glasgow Rangers icon also put forward a theory that the 23-year-old’s stance towards a switch to Elland Road suggested that he wanted to go “higher than that”.

Gers boss Steven Gerrard admitted in August that Leeds had contacted them over Kent, but said their opening bid was “strongly rejected” and sought to make it clear he is “not for sale”.

The Scottish Sun subsequently claimed that the Elland Road side was not ready to give up the fight for the talented Brit, and were prepared to increase their offer to £14million.

At the end of August, however, Kent said he wanted to continue to give his all for Rangers as he looked to repay the faith that Gerrard had shown in him at Ibrox.

Leeds Live then reported in September that Kent and his representatives told Orta they weren’t interested in a move to Leeds, and come October’s deadline, there were no further developments.

“For me he has been the best player in Scotland,” wrote Boyd. “He has been head and shoulders above everyone else so far this season.

“A lot of people questioned his numbers and assists prior to this season and I think he’s answered that.

“It’s easy to have your head turned when linked with a move but Kent seems to be the opposite as if to say, ‘Leeds United is not the level I want to go to. Massive club but I want to go higher than that’.

“His performances have been unbelievable. He has shown he’s got the bit between his teeth and wants things to happen. He seems to be the one who is driving things forward and making things happen.”

TBR View:

It’s understandable that Rangers didn’t want to let Kent go, following a great start to such an important season, with a 55th title, plus stopping Celtic getting their hands on a 10th consecutive crown, at stake.

Chances are Kent wasn’t necessarily aiming higher than Leeds – he probably wasn’t thinking about any move at this moment in time, given Rangers have a crucial season ahead of them.

Plus, the faith Gerrard has shown in the £18,000-a-week ace, he’d have wanted to repay that, so any talk of leaving the Gers at the start of the season for anyone wouldn’t have been on his mind.

Leeds have since brought in Raphinha, signing the Brazilian winger on deadline day, and prior to his arrival the Whites hadn’t exactly been doing badly, so it looks as though it’s worked out well for all parties.