Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has indicated that in-demand Ryan Kent may not leave the club on a fresh loan deal this summer, in what is bad news for the winger's Championship suitors.
Kent impressed hugely with his performances while on loan with Barnsley in the Championship last term and is being chased by Leeds United, Aston Villa, Hull City and Middlesbrough.
But the winger has made an impression on Reds boss Klopp throughout pre-season and was in action for Liverpool on Saturday in a friendly win over Athletic Bilbao in Dublin.
Liverpool ran out 3-1 winners over the Spaniards and Klopp dropped a clear hint that he is considering keeping Kent at Anfield for the forthcoming campaign.
"Ryan Kent, I’ve known him for one-and-a-half years and last year he developed unbelievably well and this pre-season is completely different to last pre-season, he’s completely showed up now", Klopp said in his post-match press conference.
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Klopp included Kent in a group of players he cited as extra players in his squad without having had to enter the transfer market.
"So, without paying too much money or the highest transfer fees we have additions in the squad. That’s good", the German added.
It is unclear how much game time Kent might enjoy if he does stay at Liverpool for the season, but he played week in, week out at Barnsley.
