Football Insider
·20 April 2020
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·20 April 2020
Rangers are set to open formal talks with attacker Kai Kennedy over a blockbuster new deal, Football Insider understands.
The 18-year-old, who made his senior debut in January as a substitute in the Scottish Cup win against lowly Stranraer, is out of contract in the summer of 2021.
Ibrox sources have told Football Insider that the club are convinced Kennedy is destined for big things and are keen to tie him down to a long-term agreement.
He has attracted interest from Premier League clubs as well as leading teams across Europe.
It is expected that Kennedy will be offered a big pay rise as well as a contract longer than the three-year one he signed when he turned 16.
In Scotland, players can sign professional terms at 16, a year earlier than they can at English clubs, where the earliest age is 17.
Steven Gerrard hailed the teenager as a “fabulous little player” when he made the senior squad for the first time in November.
He has subsequently played once for the first team, in the 2-0 triumph against Stranraer three months ago.
The manager and his backroom staff have been hugely impressed by Kennedy’s development this season and believe he is capable of moving into the senior squad permanently.
They regard the attacker highly and capable of being a star of the future.
Kennedy is predominantly a left-winger but has also played for Rangers’ youth teams in various attacking positions, including as a number 10.
He has also worked his way through the Scotland age groups and has been capped up to Under-19s level for his country.
In other Rangers news, it can be REVEALED that forward is set to join on 1 July after Ibrox club exploit loophole to win Europe-wide race.