Michael Beale eyes Belgium reunion with Rangers ace - but Ajax & West Ham front growing list of suitors
In-demand midfielder has options on the table to consider in his pursuit of regular game time
Rangers midfielder Bailey Rice has yet to make a decision on his Ibrox future - but reportedly has a number of different options to weigh up including a potential reunion with Michael Beale.
The in-demand 19-year-old is out of contract later this summer, but has been offered a contract extension by the Govan giants and discussions remain ongoing.
Rice endured an injury-plagued season, making just two appearances and playing a total of 110 minutes for the Light Blues. According to the Daily Record, no contract has yet been agreed with the former Motherwell youngster who is seeking regular first-team football - something head coach Danny Rohl cannot promise.
The German boss is keen for Rice to sign a new deal and hit the ground running in pre-season before assessing his next steps amid reported interest from the likes of Ajax, West Ham United and Schalke 04. Rangers want to provide Rice with a pathway to first team football in the future.
Ex-Gers boss Michael Beale, who was recently appointed manager of Belgian outfit Zulte Waregam, is also said to be watching the situation closely.
With no guarantee of regular minutes at Ibrox, Rangers may explore the possibility of suitable loan move to get the Scotland Under-19 international the game time he craves. He has spent time training out in Marbella and taking part in some one-on-one training sessions at Ash Taylor’s NXT Level Lab to get himself in shape for the new campaign.
Rice likely to extend Rangers stay, according to retired Premiership star
The former Aberdeen and Kilmarnock defender turned fitness coach shared a video of Rice putting in the hard yards and hinted on his social media that the teenager was likely to extend his stay at Rangers.
Posting on his Instagram, Taylor wrote: “After a season disrupted by injury, Bailey put the work in to finish the campaign fully fit. Working closely with the club’s head physio, we’ve made sure every box has been ticked throughout his return-to-play process.
“Now, it’s about building capacity, maintaining momentum, and preparing for pre-season @rangersfc. Big year ahead, mate.”
Still highly-rated by those within the football club, Rice’s development has stagnated over the last 12 months. While he looked destined to head for the exit door, Taylor’s update suggests the player may have changed his mind on leaving the club.