Rangers winger Ryan Kent is a "long-term target" for Leeds United and does have a release clause in his contract, according to transfer insider Pete O'Rourke.

The 25-year-old has been linked with a move to Elland Road as he approaches the final year of his deal.

What is the latest news involving Kent?

Football Insider reported last month that Leeds are currently monitoring Kent ahead of the summer transfer window.

The same outlet also states that the Englishman has a £20m release clause in his contract, giving the Whites the opportunity to quickly snap him up rather than entering prolonged negotiations.

Rangers, however, will be hoping that clause is not activated, with Kent being such an important player for them.

He has played over 30 games for the Gers this season, while last term, he finished the campaign with an incredible 52 appearances to his name.

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What has O'Rourke said about Kent and Leeds?

O'Rourke has told GIVEMESPORT that the fresh Kent to Leeds links are interesting given that he has been on the club's radar for some time now.

Speaking to GMS, the football journalist said: "The Ryan Kent one's interesting; he's been a long-term target for Leeds. Ever since they won promotion back to the Premier League, there was links with Ryan Kent.

"He's had another good season for Rangers, impressed especially in their European run as well. If Leeds did follow up their interest, there is a release clause in his contract."

Is anyone else interested in Kent?

Right now, it does not seem like there are too many teams chasing Kent's signature, which will come as good news to Leeds, who look very eager to sign him.

That, however, does not mean clubs will not register their interest in the months to come, nor does it suggest that he will definitely join Leeds in the next transfer window.

According to Football Insider, Rangers are still trying to tie their winger down to a new contract, so they have clearly not given up hope of keeping him.

The chance to move to Jesse Marsch's team and play in the Premier League, however, may be too tempting. Ultimately, it would not be a surprise to see Kent push for a transfer to the English top flight as his contract runs down.

And given that his deal is drawing closer to its expiry date, perhaps Leeds could even get him for lower than his release clause.

If not, and the former Liverpool man does end up remaining at Ibrox, it probably would not be the end of the world for the Yorkshire club, who still have Jack Harrison and Dan James for that left wing position.