Ryan Kent asking for a new contract has been coming, says former Rangers defender Michael Ball.

The 24-year-old winger still has two years to run on his current contract. However, according to GiveMeSport, he is keen on a new deal amid interest from Leeds United.

Kent was excellent during the 2020/21 season as he helped Rangers to win their first Scottish Premiership title in 10 years and end Celtic's stranglehold.

The Englishman finished the campaign with 12 goals and 11 assists in all competitions, while he also averaged more dribbles per league game (1.9) than any other Rangers player bar Joe Aribo (also 1.9, stats via WhoScored).

Indeed, Kent truly showed his worth, and Ball believes the former Liverpool man should be rewarded for it.

"I think we've probably seen this coming for a long time," the ex-Rangers full-back told FFC when asked if Kent deserves a new contract with improved terms.

"It was a big outlay for Rangers at the time to bring to the football club, quite surprising that they had those funds to bring him there, and he's been a massive hit.

"He's improved himself, he's been one of the key players for Rangers and they've had a successful, fantastic year."

Ultimately, considering his contribution to the team this year, Steven Gerrard will surely not want to lose him to Leeds. So handing Kent a new contract may be the best course of action.