Chasing promotion from League One, Sheffield United have identified Liverpool academy winger Ryan Kent as a possible loan target.
United have enjoyed an upturn in fortunes following the arrival of Nigel Adkins as manager, and are six points adrift of League One’s play-off places, with 10 games to play.
As a result, Adkins is looking to utilise the emergency loan market to bolster his side’s push for promotion.
Having signed former Blackpool defender Alex Baptiste already, Adkins is looking to target Kent among a number of options—though United are believed to still be at the “exploratory” stage.
That is according to the Sheffield Star, who claim that Kent’s ability to operate as a second striker makes him an attractive prospect to Adkins.
With Marc McNulty injured for the rest of the season, and Jose Baxter currently suspended after testing positive for cocaine, Kent would provide Adkins with an invaluable option in attack.
Kent most recently impressed in the No. 10 role in the Liverpool U21s’ 1-1 draw at home to Man United‘s U21s.
The 19-year-old’s pace, skill and direct style of play are useful attributes that could spell a bright future under Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool.
Klopp recalled Kent from his loan spell with Coventry City in January, with his Reds squad battling an injury crisis.
But with the return of Philippe Coutinho, among others, from the sidelines, he finds himself with plenty of options at the business end of 2015/16.
This often leaves Kent, Sheyi Ojo and Jordon Ibe fighting for a single spot in Klopp’s first-team selection, and with Ojo at the front of the queue at present, Kent’s opportunities are limited.
A move to Sheffield, and a promotion push, would provide the winger with valuable experience.
Following Kent’s departure Coventry have slid down the League One table, currently sitting just short of the play-off positions, highlighting his importance despite his youth.
Coventry manager Tony Mowbray recently suggested that the loss of Kent was central to his side’s decline, saying “he had a fantastic ability to pick the ball up and run our team 60 yards up the pitch.”
This quality could soon be at Adkins’ disposal, and a move to Sheffield would suit all parties.
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