New Ryan Kent update emerges amid links to Rangers return - report

Rangers are facing more competition if they make a move for Ryan Kent as Leyton Orient have emerged as a surprise suitor, according to the Scottish Sun.

The paper reported via their website late on 26 October that the Englishman had emerged as a “shock” target for the League One side down south, as they make an enquiry about signing him.

Kent, 27, can train with any club but can’t play until January after being released from his contract by Fenerbahce.

He was instantly linked to a Light Blues return, and when asked Philippe Clement admitted he had tried to sign the winger previously.

Kent also has interest from Saudi Arabia, while Leeds United are said to hold a long-term interest, but now Orient are also in the frame.

Rangers without Oscar Cortes and Rabbi Matondo

If Clement’s previous interest in Kent does extend to current interest then it looks increasingly like there will be a battle to sign him.

That would no doubt make it harder for the deal to happen, since the necessary pay cut the winger would need to take at Ibrox might seem much less attractive compared to other offers.

How much a third-tier English side would be able to stump up to bring him in is hard to say, but the Saudi interest would almost certainly come with far more money attached than Rangers could put up.

It would probably be a surprise if Kent chose to head to League One south of the border, especially when Leyton Orient are currently 20th in the table and don’t look like threatening promotion to the Championship.

Getting the former Ibrox star in to train at Auchenhowie between now and January seems like a sensible step if there is in fact interest for club and player, as Kent needs to maintain fitness and Clement would be able to see close up whether it is something that would help Rangers.

Long-term injuries to Rabbi Matondo and Oscar Cortes have meant the Belgian has been without extensive wide options for most of the season so far, with Nedim Bajrami currently playing off the left.

Vaclav Cerny’s sparkling display against FCSB on 24 October has boosted the wing play but a fit and firing Kent would be an asset if the numbers worked.

In other Rangers news, a high-profile Gers player has been told he last to leave the club permanently.

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