Charlie Nicholas believes Rangers have a 'genuine chance' of keeping Ryan Kent beyond the summer as he named the one thing that would help the cause.
The Light Blues star is in the final six months of his contract and is now free to talk to other interested clubs and pen a pre-contract if he wants. He joined the club on an initial loan deal under Steven Gerrard before making the switch permanent in a big-money move from Liverpool. He's been a man for the big occasion for the Ibrox side and after a slump in form has started to recapture his spark under Michael Beale.
The Ibrox gaffer - who was No2 under Gerrard - has known the attacker for a long, long time. Kent has previously hailed him as 'key' in his career from a young age, branded him a brilliant manager and coach and admitted his full trust in the 42-year-old. That bond could play a key role in keeping the 26-year-old around at Rangers for more years to come. Former Celtic man and pundit Nicholas wouldn't be surprised if he stays on beyond the summer and says landing a trophy or two could enhance chances of striking an agreement between the player and club.
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Writing in his Scottish Daily Express column, he said: "I think there is a genuine chance that Ryan Kent could stay at Rangers.
"I know his contract talks have been on-going but look at what happened with the Connor Goldson situation. A lot of people thought he was away and then he was announced on a new deal.
"I think Michael Beale can get the best out of Kent again.I know he wasn’t great at the weekend against St Johnstone but he has been much-improved since the new manager came in.
"He looks like he has got his appetite back and he looks and feels important to the team again.I think there is now more of a chance of him remaining at Ibrox than there was before.
"It will all depend on what else he has on the table but I wouldn’t be surprised if he was to sign a new deal. Winning a trophy or two could also help the Rangers’ cause."
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