Bailey Rice is thought to be the subject of interest from Aston Villa and West Bromplaceholder image
Bailey Rice is thought to be the subject of interest from Aston Villa and West Brom | Getty Images
Aston Villa and West Brom are both thought to be interested in a rising Rangers star
Premier League heavyweights Aston Villa are reportedly planning to accelerate talks to sign Rangers wonderkid Bailey Rice despite the window closing.
Rice is out of contract at Ibrox in the summer and is likely to become a free agent, with negotiations over an extension to his deal in Glasgow stalling in recent months.
The 19-year-old has managed just two appearances so far this season due to the serious knee injury, but has impressed in his previous season at Ibrox.
He’s reportedly been identified by Unai Emery as one for the future as he aims to future-proof his Aston Villa midfielder and ensure the club are getting hold of the best young footballers.
Bailey Rice to Aston Villa transfer latest
Football Insider reports that Rangers are fighting a losing battle to try and retain Rice’s services and adds that Aston Villa could swoop in with a pre-contract offer in the coming months.
“Yeah, look it’s a real possibility. He’s out of contract in the summer, no new deal agreed as yet at Ibrox,” explained the outlet’s reporter Peter O’Rourke.
He also added that West Brom could also join the race.
O’Rourke said: “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.Maybe those interested clubs who are looking at Rice might have some concerns over that injury.”
Why Bailey Rice is attracting Aston Villa and West Brom interest
Rice is a central midfielder that’s been on the books at Rangers since 2022 after completing a move from Scottish Premiership rivals Motherwell as a youngster.
The Scottish Under-21 international made his senior debut for Rangers in February 2023 in a Scottish Premiership match away to Livingston as an 88th-minute substitute, becoming the youngest post-war league player for the club, aged 16 years and 137 days.
Rice played twice in the league the following season, before enjoying a real breakout campaign last term under Philippe Clement and Barry Ferguson where he made 15 appearances across all competitions, including three appearances in the Europa League such as the quarter-final 0-0 draw with Athletic Club and a 2-1 defeat to Manchester United in the group stage.
“Rangers won’t want to let him leave, but they are now susceptible to that situation,” explained O’Rourke.
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