Ryan Kent contract is Rangers top priority as Gio van Bronckhorst reveals star 'more than open' to Ibrox stay

Gio Van Bronckhorst insists keeping Ryan Kent at Rangers is now top of his wish list after kicking off contract talks with the attacker. The Gers boss is already close to extending deals for captain James Tavernier and striker Alfredo Morelos.

And on the eve of the new Premiership season he revealed Kent is also now in discussions with the club over new terms having moved in to the final year of his current contract. Van Bronckhorst is optimistic his star men will stick around – as the lure of fighting for glory at home and in Europe will be too strong to turn down.

The Ibrox gaffer said: “We know the quality both Morelos and Kent bring to the team. They have been part of the squad for many years now. Ryan’s qualities are on a high level. Talks with him to extend his contrast are also happening at the moment. It’s the same with Alfredo.

“Hopefully they will sign new contracts that will keep them at Ibrox for longer than this season. Both of them love being at this club. They are important players who are loved by everyone involved in the squad and the fans.

“They are more than open to extending. Hopefully we’ll come to a deal. I’m very happy with both, they bring quality to this squad and performances on the pitch.

“Hopefully they can sign new deals soon. The taste they have got in Europe in the last couple of years will have helped them. We are pushing for the Champions League this season and that will help as well.”

Morelos has been named in Rangers’ Champions League squad for the qualifying clashes against Union Saint-Gilloise over the next fortnight. The first leg is likely to come too soon but the Colombian – who has been out for four months – could be in the frame for the return match, while new boy Rabbi