Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has insisted he is not willing to allow Ryan Kent go back on loan to Rangers, and will only consider a permanent transfer offer for the player.
The 22-year-old was a key player for Steven Gerrard’s side last season, making 43 appearances in all competitions with six goals.
He also won the PFA Scotland Young Player award last season and was included in the Team of the Year.
Gerrard had expressed his desire to bring Kent back to Ibrox ahead of the upcoming campaign, but following Liverpool’s 3-0 friendly defeat to Napoli Klopp said Kent would not be allowed to go on loan again.
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“His time is over for loans,” Klopp said.
“At the age he is now, he needs to find a place where he can settle. We will see what happens but a loan is not planned.”
Klopp did praise Rangers for their role in Kent’s development during his time in Scotland, saying it worked out perfectly for all parties.
“He came back as a completely different player and it was a very important year for him,” he said.
“It helped being with a good manager, at a good club, with good competition, and it was exactly the right thing for him at the right moment.”
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It is unclear whether Klopp sees Kent as a possibility for first-team football next season or if he is willing to let the player go.
With a settled front three of Mo Salah, Sadio Mane and Bobby Firmino it is likely it will be difficult for Kent to break into the side, although with Liverpool set to compete on four fronts next season he may yet have a part to play.
Liverpool play their final pre-season match against Lyon in Geneva on Wednesday before taking on Manchester City in the Community Shield on Sunday.
