Rangers title winner plays a losing game with Euro giant as salary demand sparks January move rumours

Ryan Kent refused to accept a transfer away from Fenerbahce earlier this summer - and more light has now been shed on the former Rangers star’s decision to stay put in Istanbul.

The 27-year-old Englishman remains frozen out of the first-team picture under legendary boss Jose Mourinho in Turkey after the club’s attempts to move Kent on just 12 month into his four-year contract.

Kent’s decision to join the Turkish Super League giants quickly turned sour after scoring on his debut in European competition. The Liverpool youth product quickly fell out of favour under then-manager Ismail Kartal and was already linked with a return to the UK.

However, no move was forthcoming in January and a deadline day switch to Italian side Lazio fell through. The player’s woes continued after being cut from Fenerbahce’s domestic squad the following month, with Kartal’s successor Mourinho opting to leave Kent out in the cold.

He has been restricted to only one appearance this season - a shock start against Swiss outfit Lugano in Champions League qualifying back in July. But Kent still remains a Fenerbahce player after failing to find a new club during the summer.

His refusal to head through the exit door reportedly left Mourinho furious and three months on since Kent’s last competitive outing, his future is once again being thrust into the spotlight with several reports claiming that he is now expected to leave in the January window.

According to Turkish outlet Fanatik, Kent demanded his Fenerbahce salary was paid up in full in order to leave the club. No agreement could be reached between both parties, ensuring he stayed in Turkey. With two-and-a-half years left to run on his deal, fresh reports have suggested that Kent has 'given up' trying to force the club's hand and will now accept a move elsewhere this winter.