Sources: Aston Villa and Sunderland race to sign Bailey Rice
Aston Villa and Sunderland are in the running to sign Rangers youngster Bailey Rice, sources have told Football Insider.
Villa and Sunderland scouts are keeping close tabs on Rice, 19, as they look to recruit a rising star who they see as having the potential to play at Premier League level.
Rangers are looking to improve their financial situation and, with the number 49 out of contract next summer, may look to sell him in January to bring in some much needed funds.
The Midland giants’ interest comes amid a frustrating loan spell for Harvey Elliott at Aston Villa, with Unai Emery already planning for life without the midfielder.
Aston Villa and Sunderland joined by West Brom and Cardiff City in fight for Bailey Rice
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the Scotsman won’t be short of suitors ahead of his contract expiring.
Clubs from the Premier League, Championship and League One are all expected to vie for his signature as they look to invest in strengthening their own array of youth prodigies.
Speaking on the Inside Track podcast over Rice’s current position on staying at Ibrox, I explained: “Well the situation as it stands right now is that he’s out of contract in the summer.
“So, he’s free to speak to other clubs from outside of Scotland in January and there’s no sign of a new deal being agreed anytime soon.
“Villa have been linked with him, Sunderland and also West Brom and Cardiff City are believed to be looking at Rice as well.
“Rice is currently injured at the minute so we haven’t seen much of him under Danny Rohl and we don’t know when he’s going to return.
“He requires surgery on his injury so that’s a big blow for Rice and also for Danny Rohl, who’s not been able to call upon Bailey Rice right now.”
Unai Emery working hard on signing striker in January to test Ollie Watkins
On top of challenging for Rice’s signature, the Villains are also keen on strengthening up front due to the below-par form of Ollie Watkins.
Sources told Football Insider that Aston Villa have joined Newcastle and Tottenham in the hunt for Igor Thiago.
The Brazilian has taken the Premier League by storm with Brentford and has firmly put himself on the radar of several of the league’s top sides.
Widening their search, Aston Villa are also monitoring Chelsea duo Liam Delap and Nicolas Jackson who present enticing alternatives to the Bees’ frontman.