RANGERS have entered talks to extend the contract of a player who Barry Ferguson rates very highly.
He still has one year left on his current deal but Gers are keen to fend off potential suitors with new and improved terms.
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Bailey Rice is a player the Light Blues really want to hold onto following his recent rise to the Ibrox first team.
The 18-year-old joined Rangers from Motherwell in the summer of 2022 and penned a contract extension the following year.
He was once on Celtic‘s radar too but it was Gers who won the race for his signature three years ago.
Rice was handed his first team debut under Michael Beale during a 3-0 win over Livingston in February 2023 and fans hoped to see more of him from then on.
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But the Govan side have been patient with the teenager since and he’s only now reaping the rewards of first team football.
The young midfielder started the first leg of Rangers’ Europa League quarter-final against Athletic Bilbao but his game ended prematurely as he had to be taken off on a stretcher in the second half following a nasty injury.
Fans will be hoping to see a bit more of him before the season ends after his European outing was cut short.
But it looks like they’ll have plenty of time to see him in action as he could sign a new long-term deal in the near future, according to the Rangers Review.
It’s stated contract talks between the club and player are at a preliminary but it’s unlikely there will be any stumbling blocks.
His current deal runs until the summer of the 2026.
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Hailing the midfielder before his start against Bilbao, Ferguson said: “The quality is there. He’s been a bit behind in his development.
“We’ve worked hard with him. He’s got the ability. I’m going to put my trust in him. I’m sure the Rangers fans will see why I’m putting my trust in him.”
Rice was handed his first European appearance when he was just 16 against Real Betis shortly before Beale’s departure.
Beale said at the time: “I’m telling you we have got a heck of a player in Bailey Rice. He is 16, he is not 17 until the end of the month.
“When I introduce him to this madhouse, and my protection of him is important, but I am telling you he is ready.”
