Aston Villa could be willing to take a risk on signing this Rangers ace this year
Talks surrounding the future of Rangers midfielder Bailey Rice are amplifying as he approaches the end of his contract at Ibrox.
The 19-year-old is looking at a potentially career-deciding few months, especially as there has been no reported progress regarding a new deal in Glasgow.
Aston Villa have been linked with Rice and according to a new report from Football Insider, the Premier League side ‘could accelerate’ their talks to bring him over to England.
Aston Villa ‘could accelerate talks’ for Rangers’ Bailey Rice
There are currently concerns over Rice’s fitness, given the long-term knee injury that has limited him to just two appearances so far this season. However, Villa have been listed among several English clubs who ‘could take the gamble’ on signing the midfielder this year regardless.
Alongside Aston Villa, EFL Championship side West Brom are also ‘keeping tabs’ on Rice’s current situation in Scotland. In fact, Albion have been tipped to potentially threaten Villa’s position in this transfer race and they could beat them to his signature.
It was reported in December that Rangers could lose the 19-year-old as they are ‘fighting a losing battle’ regarding attempts to extend his current terms at the club.
Aston Villa are currently third in the Premier League table and will want to continue their push towards an eventual title challenge as the seasons go by and they continue to strengthen.
Bailey Rice risks not playing for Rangers again this season
Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke has said it’s a ‘real possibility’ that this is Rice’s final season with the Light Blues.
“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.
“He’s a very highly-rated young player, made a breakthrough a couple of seasons ago and has made 16 first-team appearances for Rangers.
“He caught the eye when he played against Man United in the Europa League last season as well. Rangers won’t want to let him leave, but they are now susceptible to that situation.”
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