Rangers in talks over new deal for "wonderful" ace and now think he'll sign
da 888casino： Rangers have now made their first move to keep hold of a midfielder, and they think he’ll stay, according to a new report.
Latest on Rangers’ manager search
da bet7k： The Gers have five games left to play before Barry Ferguson’s interim spell in charge of the club comes to an end. Celtic have all but secured the Scottish Premiership title, so apart from pride, there is very little for Rangers to play for in the league, but for Ferguson, it is a chance to further show his credentials as a manager.
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Is he the right man for the job next season?
The Scotsman is likely to be in the running to become the next permanent Rangers manager, but given who else is also being linked with the role, he could come up short.
According to a recent report, former Chelsea, Real Madrid, and Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho is open to the idea of becoming the new Rangers manager. However, the Portuguese will only move to Scotland if he is backed by the 49ers in the transfer market. The Gers are yet to officially make a move for Mourinho, but it could be one they are tempted to do, given all that he’s achieved in the game.
It’s also been reported by TEAMtalk that Steven Gerrard is now ready to return to Scotland and Rangers. Gerrard managed the Gers for three years and guided them to the Scottish Premiership title in 2021, and he now wants to add to his success in Scotland. However, as it stands, the race to become the new Rangers manager very much remains an open case.
Rangers make first move to keep midfielder at Ibrox
But while the 49ers continue their search for a new Rangers manager, the club are also working on keeping some of their talented players. According to The Rangers Review, relayed by Ibrox News, Rangers are set to offer a new contract to midfielder Bailey Rice, and they now expect him to agree to the terms.
The report states that talks between Rangers and Rice are at an early stage, but it is expected that Rice will sign a new deal with the club. The young midfielder is under contract until the summer of 2026, but the Gers want to secure his long-term future at Ibrox and therefore want to tie him down to a long-term deal.
The 18-year-old joined Rangers’ academy in 2022 and has made 10 first-team appearances so far, with him getting his first European start in the first leg of the quarter-final tie against Athletic Bilbao. Rice has been in and around the first team all season, but Ferguson has decided to give the midfielder more of a regular chance to impress.
Bailey Rice’s 24/25 Europa League stats
Apps
3
Starts
1
Touches per game
19.3
Big chances created
1
Key passes per game
0.7
Tackles per 90
0.3
Balls recovered per 90
1.3
Rice has appeared three times in Europe this season for Rangers, playing 45 minutes against Manchester United, where, after the game, Rio Ferdinand labelled the midfielder “wonderful” after his impressive performance.
“I’ll tell you what. I like Rice. He’s come on and looking composed, and that left foot looks like it has a bit in it. He’s seeing pictures, playing, and executing. That is a wonderful pass.”