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Cape Town - Liverpool winger Ryan Kent has his heart set on a return to Steven Gerrard's Rangers on a season-long loan, according to reports in the English press.
The 22-year-old impressed while on loan with the Glasgow giants last season and both the Light Blues and the player himself are keen to complete another loan deal before the transfer window closes on September 2.
Liverpool are happy to let Kent leave, but it is claimed they are only interested in a permanent deal and will keep hold of him if Rangers do not match their £7 million valuation.
Rangers have been locked in talks with the Reds but it would appear that even the influence of Gers boss and Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard cannot convince them to sanction another loan deal.
Kent returned to Anfield after a successful spell north of the border and reports were rife that a number of English Championship clubs, as well as Rangers, were keen to do a deal.
Liverpool were confident that they would be able to sell Kent and receive the £7 million they were after, but for one reason or another a deal has failed to materialise and he is facing a season with the Under-23s unless a move can be arranged.
The Reds have been happy to loan Harry Wilson to Bournemouth, but there is still a chance he could have a future with the club and they are reluctant to sell. The situation with Kent is different and Liverpool would prefer to sell.
There could be a way around it, however. Reports north of the border in the Daily Record are suggesting that Liverpool could be willing to loan Kent to Rangers for the season on the proviso they take him on a permanent basis at the end of it.
That would save Rangers having to splash out £7 million for another 12 months, as they would get the player they want while Kent would also be happy to get his wish of a return to Ibrox. Liverpool would also get their money, albeit a little bit later than they had hoped.
It could be a solution that suits all parties but there is still plenty of negotiating to be done before they can get the deal over the line.
In the meantime, it has also been suggested that Kent could refuse to turn out for the Under-23s if he does not get the all-clear to join the Gers. He did not play in the recent game against Chelsea so there could be some mileage in such rumours.
Kent is no real use to Liverpool sat in the Under-23s and the sensible approach would be for all parties to work hard to get the Rangers move done before September 2.
