Rangers‘ ‘relationship’ with Kilmarnock explained as Bailey Rice deal leaves ‘question marks’

Rangers will not look to strike up a regular link with Kilmarnock after sanctioning Bailey Rice’s loan move to Rugby Park. 

That is according to former Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who believes that the “relationship” between the two clubs is one of nothing more than convenience at the moment. 

This comes after Rice made the move to join Killie last week, following on from Findlay Curtis’ successful loan stint there in the second half of last season. 

Wyness has suggested that Rangers see Kilmarnock as the ideal club geographically for them to keep tabs on their young talents, and are hoping to see a similar level of success for Rice this term. 

The Light Blues fought hard to keep hold of the 19-year-old midfielder in recent months, as several Premier League clubs made attempts to prise him away from Ibrox. 

Rice had been approaching the end of his contract in Glasgow, but the club were ultimately able to tie him down to a new deal. 

Keith Wyness concerned about Kilmarnock’s pitch 

Aberdeen’s former chief Wyness – who served as CEO at Pittodrie between 2000 and 2004 and now runs a consultancy business advising elite clubs – believes that Kilmarnock’s pitch may have left a “question mark” for Rangers behind the scenes. 

Killie are working to install a hybrid pitch this summer after the Scottish Premiership introduced a ban on artificial pitches, and Wyness hopes that this won’t have a detrimental effect on Rice’s loan spell. 

Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, he stressed that a move to Rugby Park will provide a “good path” for the starlet at the moment. 

“So much of relationships depend on the individuals around at the time as to the managers and the coaching staff,” Wyness said.

“If they're friends who've worked together and they can trust them in terms of taking the player on loan, looking after them, giving them minutes and giving them chances, then it can work very well.

“There's no doubt Rice is a talent and is well thought of, and definitely he's got a chance to come through. Kilmarnock may well work, and at present there may be a good path. I don't think it's going to become a regular thing though.

“I just think two players in a row, then it may well work. The pitch at Kilmarnock is still that big question mark, but nevertheless it's close enough to Rangers to keep a good eye on the players and see that they're doing well there; they're close enough to Glasgow so it makes sense.

“Kilmarnock will be hoping for the same level of success (to Curtis) at their level in terms of Rice.”

Rangers to increase Nicolas Raskin asking price amid 'bidding war'

Football Insider revealed earlier this week that Rangers are ready to increase their asking price for midfielder Nicolas Raskin to the £25million mark.

The Light Blues are expecting a "bidding war" to ensue for the Belgian international, who is currently away at the World Cup with his country.

Hull City, Real Betis and Bologna have all shown a keen interest in the 25-year-old in recent weeks, and the battle for his signature is only expected to intensify.

Raskin is now into the final two years of his deal at Ibrox, and Rangers are keen to get as much money for him as possible if they decide to sell.