View: Rangers could pull off contract masterclass as out-of-contract midfielder eyed for stay

Rangers are planning a new contract for Bailey Rice and want him to extend his terms.

The 19-year-old midfielder looked set to leave as he was out-of-contract in the summer, and there was no agreement over a new deal.

However, a report from Daily Record on 19 March claims that the Light Blues want the former Motherwell man to stay, despite interest from British clubs.

Rangers ownership could pull off a masterclass if they can convince Rice to agree to a new deal in Govan rather than letting his deal run down and leaving for free.

Why are Rangers planning new Rice contract?

Rice has not been able to show his best form at Rangers, in fact, he has made just 16 appearances for the first team in all competitions.

He has not even played under Danny Rohl once, as he has been out injured since November, when he had surgery on a knee injury.

Rohl has suggested that he would like to see what Rice can do before the Bears make a decision on his future, but it was looking as though he may not get the chance.

Speaking earlier in the season, 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.”

If the Gers can agree terms with him, perhaps there is a way back for Rice, after it looked like his career in Govan was done.

Why Rice contract extension would be a masterstroke for Rangers

It would be a masterstroke for two reasons, number one is that he could become a star under Rohl, as he is still very young if he is given the chance.

The other reason is that rather than losing him for free, the 49ers Enterprises group and Andrew Cavenagh could make a significant profit on his services.

The likes of Aston Villa, Manchester City, West Brom and Cardiff City have all been linked with swoops for the Gers ace, if he were to leave on a free.

Therefore, if the Gers sign him to a new deal, then he does not want to stay in the future, they can demand a decent fee, rather than getting absolutely nothing.

It is a win-win situation for the Glasgow side, they either get a player who can help Rohl’s side next season or they secure a windfall that they did not think they would get.

Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Govan.