Aston Villa, Forest, Palace lead race for Rangers' Rice

Premier League clubs Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest, and Crystal Palace are leading the race to sign Rangers midfielder Bailey Rice on a free transfer this summer, as the 19-year-old Scot's contract nears its expiry on May 31, 2026.

The technically gifted, left-footed player, who joined Rangers from Motherwell in 2022, has made 16 senior appearances for the Glasgow club, including a brief outing this season. He holds the distinction of being Rangers' youngest post-war league debutant at 16 years and 137 days, coming off the bench against Livingston in 2023. However, Rice has grown frustrated with limited first-team opportunities, compounded by a hamstring injury in November 2025 that sidelined him for several months and caused him to miss 22 games. He has since returned to training with the senior squad in March and is nearing full fitness.

Reports indicate multiple English clubs have held formal discussions with Rice's representatives, outlining pathways to fast-track his senior development. Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest, and Crystal Palace have presented detailed plans, while Sunderland and West Brom have also monitored his situation. Interest extends abroad, with Bundesliga...