Aston Villa are ready to accelerate talks to sign Rangers starlet Bailey Rice on a free transfer this summer, according to Football Insider.
The Villans have always made a play to bring in top young talent, and recently completed a move for young striker Brian Madjo, while they have previously signed youngster Rory Wilson from the Ibrox club following his impressive goal record at youth level.
Unai Emery's side are now keen to repeat the trick by signing a super-talented young midfielder on a free transfer, with no new agreement found over the 19-year-old signing an extension with the Glasgow club despite him being in the final months of his deal.
Aston Villa to Accelerate Bailey Rice Talks
Unai Emery
Rice, who was described as 'wonderful' by Rio Ferdinand, has made just two appearances this season following a serious knee injury, but is still very highly-rated within the club.
However, his contract status has seen several top clubs pay close attention to his situation, and Villa are now ready to accelerate talks to bring him in ahead of the competition, which includes rivals West Brom.
He is seen as one for the future, and while Rangers don't want to lose him, they're in a very difficult situation due to growing interest and the lack of an agreement, but they are still looking to see how his recovery from injury goes before making a concrete move.
“Yeah, look it’s a real possibility [he leaves]," Pete O'Rourke told Football Insider. "He’s out of contract in the summer, no new deal agreed as yet at Ibrox.
“So I’m sure there’s clubs in England looking at a situation ready to bring him down on a pre-contract. Villa and West Brom have been long-term admirers of the midfielder.
“It’s a difficult one for Rangers because he’s been out injured for so long, Bailey Rice has missed the last five months with a serious knee injury. He might not return before the end of the season, so he could move on after that."
Aston Villa Perfect Place for Rice
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery gives the thumbs-up
There are not many managers around better than Unai Emery when it comes to improving players, and that would be the perfect environment for a top talent like Rice to develop and get back to playing.
The Scotland Under-19 international broke through at Ibrox as a 16-year-old talent, and his quality was obvious, even then. But having missed a big period of action, he will have some time to make up for.
But as an option for the future, playing alongside the likes of Amadou Onana, Youri Tielemans, John McGinn and Boubacar Kamara can only be a good thing for him, and it could be the perfect move.
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