Aston Villa and West Brom have a long-standing interest in Rangers' Scottish midfielder Bailey Rice, whose contract expires in the summer with no new deal yet agreed. This situation has led several top clubs to monitor the 19-year-old. West Brom are among the clubs in England reportedly ready to sign him on a pre-contract. Aston Villa are prepared to expedite discussions to sign the midfielder on a free transfer before other interested clubs. The player's circumstances are complicated by a serious knee injury that has kept him out for the last five months, and he may not return before the end of the season. Rice, who joined Rangers in July 2024, has been capped 16 times by Scotland U19 and has a current Transfermarkt market value of €800k.