Aston Villa could launch a late move for Ryan Kent if he becomes available this month, according to journalist Pete O'Rourke...

What's the word?

The Rangers star was linked with a move to Villa Park soon after Steven Gerrard was appointed as manager back in November 2021 and has since attracted interest from several other Premier League teams, including Leeds United and Everton.

It's thought that the former Liverpool academy graduate has a release clause of £20m but there is doubt over his future at Ibrox as he has entered the final 12 months of his current £18k-per-week contract.

Talks over an extension appear to be ongoing but there has been no news on a breakthrough just yet. talkSPORT pundit Gabby Agbonlahor recently tipped him to move elsewhere as the Scottish giants can not compete financially with the English top-flight.

Now, speaking to Football FanCast, O'Rourke has touted Villa as a potential destination for the 25-year-old dynamo.

He said:

"If they're unable to agree a new contract and he does become available, I'm sure Steven Gerrard and Aston Villa will be one of the clubs who will be seriously thinking of offering him a move back to the Premier League."

Gerrard would love him

Kent enjoyed one of his best-ever seasons under the Villa boss as the duo secured Rangers their first Scottish Premiership title in a decade back in March 2021.

Across 52 appearances in all competitions, the 5 foot 8 winger delivered a whopping 13 goals and 15 assists, meaning he averaged one direct goal contribution every 152 minutes, as per Transfermarkt.

He continued that fine form last campaign, where he provided an eye-catching 23 goal contributions, in which a massive 20 were assists as the Gers made the Europa League final.

Such form has seen Kent subject to plenty of glowing praise.

Teddy Bears teammate Leon Balogun told 'The Beautiful Game' podcast that he causes "real problems in training," also claiming that he was a "wing wizard," whilst journalist Andrew Dickson believes he can be "completely unplayable" on his day.

Villa arguably have a spot to fill on the left flank as none of their signings in the post-Jack Grealish era have stepped up to fill the void he left behind, so a swoop for Kent could well make sense.

Gerrard would surely love to sign his former superstar, so it would be on sporting director Johan Lange to stump up the £20m required to seal his signature ahead of some of their Premier League rivals.

The Midlands outfit are running out of time, however, as there are less than four weeks to go in the summer transfer window.

AND in other news, Villa have "explored" swoop for 45-goal gem, Gerrard could land Coutinho's next Suarez...