'On alert' - Leeds United among Premier League clubs 'looking' at Rangers prodigy Bailey Rice
Ex-Premier League scout credits Leeds United with interest in Rangers prodigy Bailey Rice
A former Premier League scout has claimed Leeds United are among the clubs looking at Rangers prodigy Bailey Rice.
The defensive midfielder made his debut for the Scottish heavyweights as a 16-year-old, becoming the club’s second-youngest post-war player.
He has represented Scotland at various youth levels but has recently seen his promising ascent slowed by injury. Rice is out of contract at Ibrox at the emd of the month and an agreement over a renewal has not yet been reached.
Leeds United ‘looking’ at Rangers prodigy
Mick Brown, a former scout for the likes of Manchester United and Blackburn Rovers, has suggested pastures new could be on the horizon for the Rangers prospect.
He told Football Insider: "It's a difficult one with Bailey Rice, because he's been injured. He's hardly played in the last year, and at this stage of his career, that can have a big impact on his development so there are concerns about whether he's the same player.
“Rangers have been keen to keep him, they've been in talks, but it doesn't seem like they're making any real progress at the moment. If it keeps dragging on and he's not signing a new deal, Rangers could walk away because it's not worth trying to convince him if he has no intention of staying.
"Leeds are among a few Premier League clubs looking at him, because on a free transfer it might be worth the gamble on bringing him in.
"If he is going to leave Rangers, these clubs will be put on alert and I expect one of them will make a move, but I would urge caution because of that injury he's had."
Role models at Leeds United
As a young midfield anchor, Rice would have an excellent role model to follow at Leeds in captain Ethan Ampadu.
The Wales international has flourished at Elland Road, making a relatively seamless transition back into the Premier League having previously played there with Chelsea and Sheffield United.
Ilia Gruev can also operate in the deep-lying role played by Rice, who has made 16 appearances for Rangers at first-team level.