The scramble for the signature of Rangers prodigy Bailey Rice is heating up in the Premier League, with Aston Villa and Crystal Palace now leading the...
The scramble for the signature of Rangers prodigy Bailey Rice is heating up in the Premier League, with Aston Villa and Crystal Palace now leading the chase according to exclusive information gathered by GoalZaza. The 19 year old midfielder is widely expected to depart Ibrox when his contract runs dry this summer, a development that has set the cat among the pigeons among several English top flight clubs. Rice, who has been described by scouts as a midfield stalwart with composure beyond his years, is now the object of a fierce transfer tussle that could see him walk away from Glasgow for absolutely nothing in terms of a transfer fee. While the lad has yet to nail down a regular starting shirt at Rangers, his potential has not escaped the notice of the powers that be at Villa Park and Selhurst Park, both of whom are desperate to inject youthful energy into their engine rooms. For Aston Villa, who have been making steady noise under Unai Emery, adding a player of Rice's profile would represent a clever piece of business. At the end of the day, a free transfer for a highly rated prospect is the kind of move that separates the shrewd from the spendthrift. Crystal Palace, meanwhile, will not roll over easily, as they have built a reputation for giving young talents a platform to shine. Should Rice eventually choose the London side, he could find himself rubbing shoulders with the likes of Eberechi Eze, a player whose own rise has been nothing short of inspirational. In the scheme of things, this transfer window is shaping up to be a busy one for Nigerian fans who track the movements of young African talents, and Rice's decision could yet have knock on effects for Super Eagles hopefuls plying their trade in the United Kingdom. GoalZaza will continue to monitor this developing story as the summer window approaches. Back home in Lagos, the news has already sparked animated debates at viewing centres in Surulere and Ikeja where fans gather to dissect every transfer rumour. Many argue that a move to Aston Villa would offer Rice the lion's share of exposure under a manager who has revitalised several careers, while others insist that Crystal Palace's track record with midfielders makes them the safer bet. In a crowded room at a popular spot in Yaba, one agitated supporter was heard declaring that the boy should wait for a club where he can be guaranteed first team football rather than sit on the bench in a shiny new jersey. These are the conversations that remind us why the beautiful game never truly sleeps, even when the pitch is quiet and the boots are off.
