Barnsley sign Liverpool youngster Ryan Kent on loan

Barnsley have signed 19-year-old winger Ryan Kent on a season-long loan deal from Liverpool.

Kent spent the first half of last season on loan at Coventry City, making 17 appearances for the club and scoring his first ever senior goal against Barnsley.

The youngster was recalled by Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp in January and went on to make his debut for the Reds in an FA Cup tie against Exeter City, but he will now spend the duration of the 2016-17 campaign on loan with the Tykes.

"I'm delighted to sign for Barnsley, I am really looking forward to what the season holds for me. I have spoken to Paul [Heckingbottom] quite a lot over the last few weeks about how I am going to fit into the team and how we are looking to play this season," Kent told the club's official website.

"I feel I can bring a lot of excitement to the team, I can play on either side of the wing or behind the striker, I'm really lucky to be gifted with both feet which helps my game out a lot. I have a lot of speed and flair so I am looking forward to playing with the other players, hopefully we can build a good chemistry and get some good wins."

Barnsley boss Heckingbottom added: "We first enquired about Ryan last summer and we've continually monitored his progress, so I'm absolutely delighted to have him as part of our squad for next season. We saw a lot of him last season and he made a huge impression at Coventry.

"Playing out on either wing, he is fearless, and loves to take on his man and get balls into the box. Not only that, he can finish – as we saw against us at the Ricoh Arena last season. He's one of the most highly rated youngsters in the country and now he has a great opportunity to step up and show us what he can do in the Championship.

"We beat off a number of Championship clubs to secure his signature which is testament to us as a club and our ability to nurture up and coming talent. I'm very grateful to Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool for allowing Ryan to continue his development with us here at Barnsley and I'm really excited about seeing him in action".

Barnsley will begin their Championship campaign at Ipswich Town on August 6.