Rangers and Celtic in transfer fight for wonderkid Bailey Rice with Premier League suitors lying in wait

Rangers and Celtic have made opening bids for Motherwell youngster Bailey Rice - but also face competition from clubs south of the border.

The Glasgow giants have both started talks and tabled offers with the Steelmen to land their Scotland under-17 cap this summer with clubs lining up for a deal. An English Premier League club has also declared their interest but Motherwell are fighting to try and keep their young prodigy in Lanarkshire.

There has been a conveyor belt of talent coming out of Fir Park in recent seasons with the likes of David Turnbull, Jake Hastie and Allan Campbell coming through the academy. The defender is not due to turn 16 until later this year and will then be eligible to sign his first professional forms.

Rangers and Celtic both see the teenager as one of the best young players in Scotland and are trying to win the battle for his signature.

If Motherwell are to lose Rice then they would be looking to strike a deal now with future add-ons built in, that would be more than the basic compensation they would be due if he was to move before he signs his first pro form.

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