‘We tried’: Victor Orta sheds light on Leeds summer pursuit of £14m-rated Brit

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Leeds United director of football Victor Orta has spoken about the Whites’ pursuit of Glasgow Rangers winger Ryan Kent over the summer, in conversation with the Yorkshire Evening Post.

Rangers 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.

“I think [Kent’s] club doesn’t want to sell him,” Orta told the Yorkshire Evening Post.

“We tried and we believe clearly Glasgow Rangers doesn’t want the player to leave. It was never their plan to put Kent in the market.”

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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.

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.