Sky Sports pundit Andy Walker says he expects Rangers winger Ryan Kent to sign a pre-contract agreement with another club in January.

The former Liverpool winger is out of contract at the end of the season, and with no new deal on the horizon, Walker predicts the 25-year-old will leave on a free transfer:

“A couple of years ago he would have been the type of player who would cost around £15m, and I think there were clubs prepared to pay that for him. It didn’t happen and Rangers didn’t want to sell him, which is absolutely their right and he’s still got the option of extending his contract.”

“I don’t think it makes any sense to run his contract down. I think he’ll sign for another club in January, he’ll sign a pre-contract and it’s a big loss. Not just a talented player but in a business sense you’re not getting any money for him.”

Although fans will be hoping that Walker is wrong, the signs are not good. Manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst said all the way back in July that renewing Kent’s contract was a top priority but there has been no progress since then.

There are now only 13 weeks before the player can open talks with foreign clubs without needing permission from the Gers. Unless a deal can be struck within the next few months, the likelihood of him staying is pretty low.

Kent’s performances in recent weeks haven’t been up to much so there will be a section of supporters who may feel that it is best for all concerned that he leaves, but, as Walker says, not receiving any money from his sale would be hard to take.

Clubs such as Leeds have been willing to pay substantial sums for his services in the past but now, they could get him for nothing.