Sources: Bailey Rice to quit Rangers and join English club as contract talks collapse
Rangers could face a “losing battle” to keep Bailey Rice at Ibrox next summer with little progress made on signing a new deal.
Back in June 2022, Rangers beat Celtic to the signing of Rice, viewing him as one of their future prodigies at the club.
Yet, the 19-year-old is now in the final year of his deal in Glasgow and could be tempted by the prospect of a move away next summer on a free.
Sources told Football Insider that both Aston Villa and Sunderland are in the race to sign Rice in the coming transfer windows, as pressure mounts on Danny Rohl to quickly convince the midfielder to stay.
Rangers could be hit by ‘real blow’ if Rice opts to leave the club
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the number 49 is receiving intense interest from clubs in England.
On top of Premier League attention, the Scotsman is also on the radar of West Brom and Cardiff City who would all love to bring the teenager to the club on a free transfer.
Speaking on the Inside Track podcast over the Gers’ concerns that Rice won’t sign a new deal, I explained: “He’s a player with huge potential there’s no doubt about that.
“So, that could be a real blow for Rangers to lose one of the most promising young talents they’ve got at the club for free next summer if he does end up running down his contract and leaving.
“Right now, as things stand, Rice will be able to decide his future in January. Does he want to agree a pre-contract with any of those interested in him?
“It does look like Rangers are facing an uphill losing battle to keep hold of him.”
Ryan Kent unlikely to make shock comeback to Ibrox
Speaking of free transfers, the Teddy Bears are expected to turn down an opportunity to bring home one of their more recent successes.
Sources told Football Insider that Rangers will not sign Ryan Kent on a free, despite the winger’s strong connection with the club.
The Englishman has had failed stints at Fenerbahce and Seattle Sounders since leaving Glasgow, yet is set to leave the MLS side at the end of December upon his contract expiration.
Rohl is not interested in bringing the Liverpool academy graduate back to Scotland, despite his successful seasons between 2018-19 and 2022-23.