Aston Villa and Sunderland tracking ace Rangers are 'reluctant' to lose as possible transfer swoops weighed up
Nottingham Forest, Aston Villa and Sunderland are all linked with the Rangers player.
Aston Villa and Sunderland are reportedly two clubs in the mix for a Rangers talent soon to become out of contract.
The Light Blues are in the midst of a Premiership title race and sit third, four points off leaders Hearts, ahead of facing the Jambos on Monday. Plans for the summer transfer window will already be ensuing behind the scenes and one player’s future who will have to come to the fore is Bailey Rice. The Scotland youth international’s season has been destroyed by injury but has shone for Rangers when able after joining from Motherwell.
He’s out of contract this summer and no new deal has been agreed as of yet. It’s been claimed that German side Schalke 04 and Ajax in Holland are keen on the star who’s played 16 games overall for Rangers but had just 45 minutes of senior football this season. That came against Alloa Athletic in the League Cup back in August but now Nottingham Forest, Aston Villa and Sunderland are claimed to be in the mix. It’s believed that an exit from Ibrox is likely.
Who wants to sign Bailey Rice this summer?
Claims in the Daily Mail said: “Nottingham Forest have joined the clubs showing interest in Rangers' young midfielder Bailey Rice. The 19-year-old is out of contract this summer and looks likely to leave Ibrox. Daily Mail Sport understands Bundesliga side Schalke have already made an initial offer for the Scotland U21 international while Ajax are also interested.
“Rangers have also opened talks over keeping Rice at the club and have made it clear they are reluctant to lose him. Rice joined Rangers from Motherwell in 2022 and his potential has been noted by scouts from a number of top clubs. Aston Villa, Sunderland and West Brom have also been monitoring developments for the left-footed defensive midfielder. The lure of a new challenge from across the border and abroad could prove too strong.”
Rangers hero Barry Ferguson worked with the midfielder last season during his interim manager role and holds hopes of an extended stay in Govan for Rice. He told Go Radio recently: “I spoke to him about four or five weeks ago. He’s been plagued with injuries this season, which hasn’t been ideal for him.
“I know he’s out of contract in the summer. He’s a very good player. Left-footed. He’s got everything you would want in a midfielder. But I just don’t know what he’s thinking. If I’m Rangers, I would try and get him signed up on another contract because I do think he’s got the ability and the quality to play at Rangers.”
The Scottish Football Social Club is presented by BetSBK.com | 18+ | Gamble Responsibly