Sources: Aston Villa could accelerate talks to sign Rangers sensation
Aston Villa could accelerate talks to sign Rangers sensation Bailey Rice over the next couple of months despite the transfer window closing.
Rice, 19, is out of contract at Rangers at the end of the season and no progress has been made towards extending his deal given the interest elsewhere.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, the coming months could be decisive for the Scotland Under-19 international.
While there are concerns about the teenager’s fitness given his current long-term knee injury, Aston Villa are among multiple English clubs who could take the gamble.
Championship outfit West Brom are also believed to be keeping tabs on Rice’s situation and could move to beat their rivals to his signature.
Aston Villa could sign Bailey Rice from Rangers
Football Insider revealed in December that Rangers could be set to lose Rice and are fighting a losing battle to extend his contract at Ibrox.
The midfielder has managed just two appearances so far this season due to the serious knee injury, but has impressed in previous season at Ibrox.
Seen as one for the future, Villa could be tempted to make a move for Bailey and are keeping a close eye on his recovery and progress at Rangers.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “Yeah, look it’s a real possibility. He’s out of contract in the summer, no new deal agreed as yet at Ibrox.
“So I’m sure there’s clubs in England looking at a situation ready to bring him down on a pre-contract. Villa and West Brom have been long-term admirers of the midfielder.
“It’s a difficult one for Rangers because he’s been out injured for so long, Bailey Rice has missed the last five months with a serious knee injury.
“He might not return before the end of the season so he could move on after that.
“Maybe those interested clubs who are looking at Rice might have some concerns over that injury.
“But he’s a very highly-rated young player, made a breakthrough a couple of seasons ago and has made 16 first-team appearances for Rangers.
“He caught the eye when he played against Man United in the Europa League last season as well. Rangers won’t want to let him leave, but they are now susceptible to that situation.”
Youssef Chermiti could soon leave Rangers
Rice is not the only Rangers star being linked with a move away from Ibrox despite the transfer window closing, as Youssef Chermiti’s future remains in doubts.
Rangers rejected a £13million bid for Chermiti from Fenerbahce in the January transfer window, and were not keen to lose the striker mid-way through the season.
Rangers could have been willing to sell Chermiti if a replacement could have been found for the 21-year-old at Ibrox, but no replacement arrived.
Former Aberdeen CEO Keith Wyness told Football Insider that Rangers could demand £20million for Chermiti when the summer window arrives.
Wyness admitted he was surprised Rangers turned down a pricey offer for the striker in January, but insisted they will try to make a significant profit form his sale.
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