- Bailey Rice attracting interest from Ajax and Schalke amid unresolved Rangers contract situation.
- Danny Rohl cautious on 19-year-old midfielder following serious injury and limited first-team involvement.
- No agreement reached, with reports suggesting agents pushing free-transfer options abroad.
Rangers could be set to lose one of their out-of-contract stars this summer as midfielder is linked with move to Europe.
Bailey Rice is facing an uncertain summer at Ibrox, with reported interest emerging from Europe as his contract situation moves into the spotlight.
Romano makes Bailey Rice claims
Transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano claimed that both Ajax and Schalke 04 are “trying to sign Bailey Rice from Rangers as a free agent.”
He added that Schalke have already made an initial offer on personal terms.
However, there have been no confirmed reports in Scotland of any formal offers being submitted.
Romano also stated: “Bailey hasn’t agreed yet with Rangers on a new deal and he’s open to options.”
Rohl on midfielder’s future
Rice’s situation remains a key decision for incoming head coach Danny Rohl, who has already stressed a cautious approach to the youngster’s development following a serious injury setback.
Rohl said: “I think it’s now at the stage where he must first come back after the big injury.
“He is working hard in this case.
“Then we make a decision from our side.”
The 19-year-old joined Rangers from Motherwell in 2022 after forming a highly rated youth partnership with Lennon Miller.
Praise from pundits
He has made 16 senior appearances, including a composed Europa League showing away to Manchester United, where he was praised by pundit Rio Ferdinand.
The former England defender said: “I like Rice, he’s come on and looking composed and that left foot looks like it has a bit in it.”
Read Rangers analysis
While speculation grows, Romano’s claims should be viewed with caution.
Many of his reports come from agents or representatives of the players mentioned.
This looks to be a case of Rice’s representation looking to bluff Rangers into offering a deal.
Despite his reports, there is no agreement between Rice and any club outside Rangers.
Nor a concrete extension offer from Ibrox.
With his future unresolved and recovery ongoing, Rice remains one of the more intriguing decisions facing Rangers this summer window.
He has yet to feature under Rohl due to injury.
He was however, included in the first-team’s recent training camp in Spain.
