Aston Villa have been installed as favourites with SkyBet to sign Ryan Kent from Liverpool this summer.

Kent looks set for his third loan spell in three years away from Anfield this summer, and Villa have been priced at 5/4 to sign the 20-year-old winger.

Reports confirmed Villa’s interest in Kent yesterday, but they face competition from across the Sky Bet Championship in the race for his signature.

Middlesbrough entered the race to sign him earlier this week, with Garry Monk’s side priced at 7/2.

Hull City and Leeds United were early contenders to sign Kent this summer, but the Yorkshire pair are now priced at 4/1 and 6/1 to land the Liverpool man before the end of the transfer window.

Kent’s reputation has grown over the last 18-months after successful spells with both Coventry City and Barnsley in League One and the Championship respectively.

The 20-year-old made a combined total of 66 appearances during those loan spells, including 44 in the Championship for Barnsley last season.

Kent missed out on just two fixtures for the Tykes last season, helping Paul Heckingbottom’s side comfortably finish mid-table in the Championship.

Jurgen Klopp has opted to use Kent regularly during Liverpool’s pre-season, but he is unlikely to build on his one competitive appearance for the Reds when the Premier League begins next weekend.

The Verdict

Kent is exactly what Aston Villa need this summer, with Steve Bruce’s squad lacking real competition for places in the wide areas.

The 20-year-old is developing fast, and after a successful year in the Championship last season, he could be even better over the next 12-months.

It is still unclear where Kent will be playing his football next season, but any club who manages to secure his service, will be enhancing their chance of promotion.

Where do you think Kent will be playing his football next season? Let us know your thoughts!