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Aston Villa Hold Talks in Race to Sign Rangers Teen Bailey Rice on Free Transfer

His expiring deal this month has made him a low-cost target attracting clubs across Europe.

Overview

  • Aston Villa have held initial talks with Bailey Rice’s representatives and outlined a route into senior football, according to GiveMeSport as cited by AVillaFan.
  • TEAMtalk and CaughtOffside report that Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest are pursuing the 19-year-old, with Ajax, Stuttgart and Schalke also showing interest.
  • Rice’s contract at Rangers expires on May 31, 2026, setting up a potential free transfer once the summer window opens.
  • The midfielder has had limited minutes after a November 2025 injury that reports say sidelined him for 22 games, and he is now close to full fitness.
  • Scouts view Rice as a left-footed, deep-lying playmaker with Scotland youth caps, and no club has confirmed an agreement at this stage.