Leeds United could start the Jesse Marsch era with a bang by signing long-term transfer target Ryan Kent this summer...

What's the word?

It is believed the Yorkshire giants remain hugely interested in the Rangers sensation as he continues to impress north of the border. Football Insider reported only last month that the Whites were monitoring his situation at Ibrox, with a little over a year remaining on his current contract.

Now journalist Pete O'Rourke has delivered his verdict to GIVEMESPORT.

"The Ryan Kent one’s interesting; he’s been a long-term target for Leeds. Ever since they won promotion back to the Premier League, there was links with Ryan Kent.

"He’s had another good season for Rangers, impressed especially in their European run as well. If Leeds did follow up their interest, there is a release clause in his contract."

Exciting signing

That clause is thought to be in the region of £20m but the Scottish champions will start to lose some power over the situation, the longer they let the 25-year-old's contract run down.

Kent would be something of a statement signing during the off-season and one that could truly kickstart the new era at Elland Road.

[snack-amp-story url="https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-leeds-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-marsch-raphinha-dest-philhay" title="Read the latest Leeds news!"]

The former Liverpool academy graduate has been in fine form once again this campaign, where he has scored three goals and provided 17 assists from 38 appearances in all competitions. That builds on his 13 goals and 15 assists during their title-winning triumph last year, as per Transfermarkt.

Such attacking form has led to quite the praise indeed.

"The run from Ryan Kent is on a different level altogether. Understandable that people moan when he's not at his best... but when he is, he's completely unplayable," claimed journalist Andrew Dickson after his showing in their shock win over Borussia Dortmund in the Europa League.

Valued by Transfermarkt at £12.6m, the English winger could be an ideal target this summer, especially with the futures of both Jack Harrison and Raphinha up in the air amid their own links away.

Even if both remain, Marsch is still light on options and Kent is worth a shot in the big time next season.

Also lauded as a "match-winner" who has "everything in his locker" and capable of providing "something special" by former teammate Kyle Lafferty, it's time for Leeds to splash out on the Rangers star.

He could be the perfect signing to kickstart a summer of change in west Yorkshire.

AND in other news, Phil Hay drops Robin Koch update amid Leeds exit rumours...