Rangers are planning to enter new contract talks with Bailey Rice to stop clubs signing him for free in the summer
Rangers are planning to try and fend off the competition queuing up for Bailey Rice this summer by entering ‘fresh talks’ over tying him down to a new contract.
The Light Blues are looking to ‘convince’ the 19-year-old to stay at Ibrox, as his current deal is due to expire in the summer. He isn’t short of potential options beyond this season though, so Rangers will need to approach the table with a solid offer.
Rangers planning ‘fresh contract talks’ to keep Bailey Rice at Ibrox
According to Football Insider, Danny Rohl’s side are planning to enter negotiations with Rice once he recovers from his knee injury.
Despite the growing interest coming from the English Premier League in particular, Rangers are delaying the next round of talks until Rice is back to fitness. The midfielder underwent surgery in November and has been out of action since.
This could be a risky move from Rangers, though. The longer they wait, the more room they give rival clubs to swoop in and table their own offers to snatch him as a free agent. Pre-contract talks can be held ahead of the summer but it has been reported that his current injury absence may have hindered some clubs’ interest in him.
Aston Villa looking to ‘accelerate’ talks for Bailey Rice deal
While there are concerns over his fitness, which have limited him to just two appearances so far this season, 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.
Of course, this new update of potential new contract talks could change everything when it comes to Rice’s future and where it lies.
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