The host of Rangers media partners Heart & Hand claims that Premier League pair Aston Villa and West Ham were looking at Ibrox talent Bailey Rice.
Speaking after the 16-year-old signed a contract extension at Rangers, Bailey Rice has committed his future to Ibrox until 2026.
This comes after the youngster made his Rangers debut in a victory over Livingston last season with Bailey Rice amongst the most highly-rated players at the club.
With Manchester United and Real Madrid linked previously, Heart & Hand host David Edgar has been talking about Bailey Rice and interest from the Premier League.
Also touching on links to Manchester City and Newcastle United earlier in the youngster’s career, the Rangers fan media outlet claim Aston Villa and West Ham were more recently eyeing a move for the youngster.
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“One youngster who has done really well in getting through to first team action is Bailey Rice,” said David Edgar on the platform’s Daily Update (13/09/22).
“He has signed a contract extension at Rangers. Rangers announced yesterday that he has agreed to extend his stay to 2026.
“So Bailey Rice had been attracting interest from down south.
“You might recall before he signed his first professional contract with us that there was talk of Manchester City and Newcastle (United) looking at him.
“I know that (Aston) Villa and West Ham have been looking at him since his contract future has been a little bit up in the air but Rangers have managed to get him signed up.”
The comments highlight how widely-regarded Bailey Rice is in the British game and Rangers will be hoping the player can go on to fulfil his potential at Ibrox.
Whilst several academy players have been handed first-team appearances at Rangers in recent seasons, none of them have been able to hold down a consistent run in the team.
Perhaps Bailey Rice will be the man to buck the trend and Rangers have certainly signed up a player with a high expectations.