Michael Beale has revealed Ryan Kent has an 'option and decision' to make as his Rangers deal enters the final few months.
The Light Blues boss is desperate to keep the former Liverpool man beyond the summer with the pair holding a strong relationship that dates back over ten years. The 42-year-old has admitted he 'loves the bones' off the attacker but if he decides it is time to move on he will get the 'biggest hug in the world' as he sets off for his new adventure.
The Rangers boss not only has a strong bond with Kent but he's expressed his love for Alfredo Morelos - another who is out of contract come the end of the season. He is the record European goalscorer at the club and has had a big say over the years in the team that won the Premiership and crucial goals and performances in Europe.
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He believes the Colombian has been 'fantastic' since he replaced Giovanni van Bronckhorst and there is a misconception over the striker. Again, he is another Beale would like to keep as he opened up on his communication with the pair over the future.
He told RangersTV : "I love both of them in different ways. My relationship with Ryan is spoken about a lot. When I went to Liverpool in 2012 he was in my team there and our relationship has been attached since then.
"The thing with Ryan is he gives the team so much out of possession. With every player, if you don’t play for us out of possession then you don’t play. That’s a rule we have and it’s why sometimes we make changes if we’re not happy with the intensity. Ryan is always 100 per cent to his teammates.
"People speak about him scoring more goals, Ryan wants to score more. They want him to get more assists, Ryan wants more but one thing is team mates will never throw at him is his work ethic.
"I love the bones off him and he’s at a moment in his career and age where he has an option and a decision to make.
"We’d very much like him to stay. If Ryan really wants to be here and has the energy for the next three or four years. If there is anything off or he feels he’s been here then no problem, he’ll get the biggest hug in the world and walk out of the front door.
"It’s the same with Alfredo, there’s a misconception about him compared to the boy I work with every day. We’ve always had a really strong relationship through my terrible Spanish but since I’ve come back in he’s been fantastic.
"He’s matured a lot. He’s our record scorer in Europe, we’ve won leagues and cups and got to the Europa League Final with him. Whatever decision is made, he needs to walk out the front door. That’s what my communication has been with both boys."
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