Alex McLeish reckons the prospect of being a squad player at Leeds United could have been used by Steven Gerrard to persuade Ryan Kent to remain at Ibrox.
They flying winger was subject of a failed £10m bid from the Elland Road side, and they were expected to come back in with more money before he made it clear he wouldn't be leaving Rangers at this point.
The Oldham-born star has started the season with a bang and already netted four times in the opening seven league games, including a fine individual strike against Dundee United at the weekend.
After struggling to settle on a succession of loan spells from former club Liverpool, Kent finally has a permanent home and McLeish reckons Gerrard would have used that as a major factor in discussions over the Premier League side's bid.
He told Football Insider: "Well, if I’m looking at the Premier League and the strength of the squads they have down there and the level of the football they’re playing at then I would think he would kind of be in the rotation order, I don’t know if he would be an absolute first-choice for Bielsa every single week.
"Maybe he sees that could be the case, who knows? Steven’s probably had chats with him as well and told him maybe similar things or he doesn’t feel ready yet.
"Players can have that attitude as well but he’s a player who will surely gather in confidence the more he plays, the more little tricks he learns, the more he’ll see his speed and his cleverness can outwit a defender and once he starts doing that absolutely every single week then Rangers won’t want to see him out of the team."
Despite the speculation, Kent was adamant last week that he's both settled and loving life in Glasgow while the faith Gerrard has shown in him is giving him the confidence to perform.
He said: "My dialogue with the club was that I am in a very good position and enjoying my football.
"As long as I am playing football and enjoying it, I am happy where I am.
"The manager and coaches are always putting faith in me and giving me more confidence. I play with no fear, even if I give the ball away five times I will have the confidence to pick the ball and go again.
"I relish the opportunity to be one of the main players in the team.
"I’ve always wanted to finally find a club that I am settled. I have had some beneficial experiences throughout my career and I am now in a position where I can put it all together and enjoy my football at Rangers Football Club."
