Sources: Brighton join Rangers in race to sign Motherwell teen Bailey Rice
Brighton have joined the race to sign Motherwell sensation Bailey Rice, Football Insider understands.
The 15-year-old attacker is a highly regarded talent at Fir Park and has captained Scotland at age-group level.
A recruitment source has told Football Insider that Premier League outfit Brighton are keeping close tabs on Rice as they weigh up a move.
The youngster has also been linked with Rangers and Man City.
Rice can pen a professional deal in October when he turns 16 – but only in Scotland.
English rules require youngsters to wait until they turn 17 to sign pro terms.
However, potential suitors can agree a scholarship contract which would be converted into a full-time deal when the starlet turns 17.
Rice has played 90 minutes in each of Scotland’s European Under-17 Championship qualification games.
Their campaign continues tonight (28 March) with a clash against Georgia’s under-17s.
Brighton’s under-18 side sit mid-table in their top-flight, while the Seagulls’ under-23 squad are safe from the threat of relegation in Premier League 2.
Recent academy products at the Amex Stadium include Arsenal defender Ben White and Spanish international shot-stopper Robert Sanchez.
Rangers have had limited success from their youth setup in recent memory.
However, 20-year-old Nathan Patterson completed a reported initial £12million move to Everton in January after his Ibrox breakthrough last term.
Celtic star midfielder David Turnbull is the highest-profile player to emerge from the Motherwell setup in recent years.
In other news, Rangers offer wonderkid history-making deal after Giovanni van Bronckhorst talks.