Aston Villa is moving quickly to negotiate for Rangers teenager Bailey Rice, even though the January transfer window has just closed. Journalist Pete O’Rourke reported on the Transfer Insider podcast that the 19-year-old’s contract at Ibrox expires this summer, and Rangers have not yet finalized a new deal with him.
Aston Villa Interested in Bailey Rice from Rangers
Both Villa and West Bromwich Albion have been monitoring Rice for some time. With the contract situation unresolved, Villa may seek to establish a pre-contract agreement. O’Rourke noted that Rice has been sidelined since September 2025 due to a serious knee injury, which could cut his season short. Nonetheless, Villa is keen to secure this promising player.
O’Rourke mentioned on the podcast: “It’s a real possibility. He’s out of contract in the summer, and no new deal has been agreed at Ibrox. I’m sure clubs in England are looking at this situation, ready to bring him down on a pre-contract. Villa and West Brom have long admired the midfielder.”
“It’s challenging for Rangers since he has been injured for a long time. Bailey Rice has missed five months of action due to a serious knee injury. He may not return before the season ends, which could allow him to leave after that. Interested clubs might have concerns regarding his injury.”
“He is a highly-rated young player, having broken into the first team a couple of seasons ago and made 16 appearances for Rangers. He impressed during a match against Manchester United in the Europa League last season. Rangers would prefer not to let him go, but the circumstances are becoming more complex.”
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