Steve Bruce’s Aston Villa side look set to sign Liverpool winger Ryan Kent despite interest from Leeds United and Middlesbrough, according to the Birmingham Mail.
The young winger impressed thoroughly during Liverpool’s pre-season tour this term, leading to plans of his loan departure being scrapped. However it appears that Reds boss Jurgen Klopp remains keep to send the 20-year-old out for experience and development.
The tricky wide-man has plenty of interest from England’s second-tier, with Leeds United and Middlesbrough both reportedly interest in the former Barnsley loaneee, however Villa Park looks set to be Kent’s destination.
Having joined Liverpool’s academy as a seven-year-old, Kent progressed through the development system on Merseyside before making his first-team debut on the Premier League side’s Australasian pre-season tour against Brisbane Roar in July 2015.
But the two-footed winger slipped down the pecking order and first-team chances became limited.
Kent signed for Coventry City on a four-month loan deal during the 2015/16 campaign and instantly began to show his ability.
Debuting for the Sky Blues in September 2015, he made 17 appearances and scored a fine goal against Barnsley before returning to Liverpool.
His impressive performances at the RICOH Arena led to Klopp rewarding the youngster with 57 minutes of playing time against Exeter in the Emirates FA Cup 3rd Round, but he was dispatched on-loan once again the following campaign to Barnsley.
Having had experience scoring against The Tykes, Kent used his talent to make himself a fan-favourite for the Yorkshire side and went on to win the Club’s Young Player of the Year award having featured 44 times and scored three times over the season.
But following his return to Anfield, Kent has continued to impress during the Reds’ tours of Hong Kong and Germany. However, whether Kent remains on Merseyside under Klopp or whether he looks for regular minutes, should he maintain his impressive performances then he will certainly be one for future consideration.
