Leeds United Transfer News: Pundit Expects Rangers To Sell Kent

With Diego Llorente on his way to Elland Road, Leeds’ transfer business is far from done. Leeds United transfer news remains one of the Premier League’s hottest topics, with the Whites lining up a couple more signings.

That’s according to The Athletic’s Phil Hay, who reports Leeds are still looking for a winger and a midfielder.

Ryan Kent, a player 888Sport have often reported on over the last few weeks, is one of several targets for the Elland Road hierarchy as the transfer deadline nears.

Leeds had a £10 million bid rejected for Kent earlier in the transfer window. Stories of Kent wanting to stay in Glasgow have surfaced, and Steven Gerrard has made it clear there’s a release clause in the winger’s contract.

Writing in his column for Sky Sports, pundit Andy Walker thinks there’s a chance Rangers decide to cash in on Kent considering the hit they will be taking to matchday earnings this season.

“They’ve already had one bid knocked back, would anyone really be surprised if Rangers cashed in given the same scenario they are in with Celtic, namely, burning millions of pounds every month allied to a much-reduced income?”

Walker noted the financial status of Rangers, who could be forced to reconsider their position when it comes to selling Kent as it seems unlikely fans will be allowed into stadia at all this season.

“It’s a fact that in the last set of accounts released by the Ibrox club, it told of a loss of over £11m in the last financial year despite generating £14m through their exciting Europa League run.

"Both Celtic and Rangers trigger extraordinary sums of cash on a matchday through sponsorship, corporate hospitality and catering.”

It’s believed Kent has a release clause of £20 million. Leeds initially offered half of that. It will be interesting to see how negotiations play out over the coming days.

Atalanta Star Linked With Leeds Move

With little movement in the Rodrigo De Paul chase, Leeds could look elsewhere in Serie A for their midfield upgrade. One such option is Atalanta star Ruslan Malinovskyi.

Phil Hay reported of Leeds’ interest in the Ukrainian, following on from The Telegraph breaking the news a few days previous.

Malinovskyi would be much cheaper than De Paul at around £20 million – Udinese are asking for over £30 million for the Argentinian international.

Malinovskyi caught the eye in Atalanta’s Champions League run last season. He flourished in their thrilling attack, driving past opponents in midfield and picking out passes. A return of nine goals shows he can contribute on the scoresheet too.

If Leeds are still hoping to make multiple additions before the window shuts early next month, the money saved by signing Malinovskyi over De Paul could be very useful.

Credit for the main photo belongs to Oli Scarff / Pool via AP*

FIRST PUBLISHED: 25th September 2020