Aston Villa now pushing to sign ‘heck of a player’ from Rangers with talks ongoing

Aston Villa are one of many clubs pushing to sign a highly-rated player from Rangers this summer, with talks ongoing over a potential deal.

Villa make transfer plans as Emery chases Champions League spot

Villa’s attention this weekend is firmly on their looming clash with Tottenham, a fixture that could have a major say in how their season finishes.

With European places still up for grabs, every point matters, and Villa know they need a strong response after recent inconsistency.

Unai Emery’s side have shown they can compete with anyone on their day, but maintaining that level has been the challenge.

The Tottenham game offers another opportunity to prove they belong in the upper tier of the table, especially with pressure building from teams around them in the race for a coveted Champions League spot.

At the same time, Villa are not waiting around when it comes to planning for the future.

Alongside links to more established names in midfield and attack, the club are also exploring younger profiles who could develop into key players over time.

That mix of short-term impact and long-term planning has been a clear theme of Roberto Olabe’s recruitment strategy.

One player now firmly in that category is Bailey Rice.

Aston Villa ‘pushing’ for Rangers sensation Bailey Rice with talks opened

According to a recent report from TEAMtalk’s Graeme Bailey, Aston Villa are among the clubs pushing to sign the Rangers midfielder, with talks already underway with his representatives.

The 19-year-old is set to leave Ibrox this summer, with his current situation making an exit increasingly likely.

Rice was regarded as one of Scotland’s most promising young midfielders, but his development has stalled slightly due to a lack of regular first-team football.

Despite breaking through at a young age and making senior appearances for Rangers, he has struggled to secure a consistent run in the side. That has led to frustration, and now both player and club appear ready to move on.

For Villa, that presents an opportunity.

They are not alone in the race, however.

The same report highlights strong interest from other Premier League clubs, while there is also significant attention from abroad.

Clubs such as Ajax, Schalke and Stuttgart have all explored the possibility of signing Rice and held talks themselves, giving him alternative options outside England.

Those clubs can offer European development routes, which could appeal to a player still shaping his career.

Rice’s profile explains the level of interest.

A defensive midfielder by trade, he is comfortable receiving the ball under pressure and has shown composure beyond his years, with ex-Gers boss Michael Beale once branding the 19-year-old one ‘heck of a player’.

He can also operate in slightly more advanced roles or even drop into defence when needed, adding versatility to his game.

In terms of experience, he has already made over a dozen senior appearances for Rangers and featured in European competition, which is a valuable foundation at his age.

While his minutes have been limited, the exposure to that level of football has helped accelerate his development.

For Villa, the appeal is not about immediate impact, but potential.

Rice would be viewed as a player to nurture, someone who could grow within the squad and eventually challenge for a regular role. With Emery known for developing young talent, the environment could suit him.

There are, of course, risks.

His lack of consistent senior football means he remains unproven at the highest level, and there may be a period of adaptation required. But that is often the trade-off when signing emerging players.

As things stand, discussions are ongoing, and no agreement has been reached. With interest coming from both England and abroad, Rice has a key decision to make about the next step in his career.