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Bristol City look set to win the race for Liverpool winger Ryan Kent on loan.

The Sun are reporting that Lee Johnson has promised to play the highly-rated 21-year-old and that has seen off competition from Championship rivals Derby County, Sheffield United and Leeds United.

The Robins have apparently agreed a deal that will see them pay a penalty if the attacking midfielder doesn't make enough appearances for the club.

Kent had spent the first half of the season on loan in Germany with Freiburg but only made one start and he was recalled by Liverpool last week.

(Image: Matt McNulty/JMP)

The German side said in a statement: "Both sides have hoped for more playing time, so we have met the desire of Liverpool and the player for an early termination of the loan agreement."

The Premier League side are unhappy with his lack of game time and want to ensure he plays at this next loan club.

He is now set to move to Ashton Gate on loan for the rest of the season as Jurgen Klopp seeks to aid his continued development.

The Oldham-born youngster, who joined Liverpool's Academy at seven-years-old, is seen as a a two-footed skillful winger with the skillset to take on defenders and get the fans on their feet.

On the pitch he plays as an inverted winger, cutting in from the flanks. He is also equally adept on both sides of the pitch. Remarkably he is also able to take free-kicks on either foot.

(Image: Matt McNulty/JMP)

Kent is contracted at Anfield until 2022 and Liverpool view him as an important part of their future, having signed him up on the long-term deal in August.

The rapid winger shone in the Championship for Barnsley last season, making 47 appearances and winning the Tykes' young player of the year award.

(Image: Paul Knight/JMP)

He has also enjoyed a productive spell with Coventry City in the past.

Lee Johnson began his January recruitment with the signing of Everton youngster Liam Walsh on an undisclosed deal last Friday.

Kent could now follow Walsh to Ashton Gate as the Robins aim for the Premier League and he could be in line to feature in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg with Manchester City.