Rangers and Celtic 'make opening bids' for talented defender

Motherwell youngster Bailey Rice is being chased by Rangers and Celtic with the Glasgow giants making 'opening bids' for his services.

And it is being reported that clubs down south are also showing an interest in the Scotland under-17 international.

The Steelmen are keen to hang on to their academy product, who is still only 15, but Daily Record report offers have already been tabled to tempt the teen away from Fir Park, while an English Premier League side are also an interested party.

Earlier this week Lanarkshire Live Sport reported how 'Well had signed 10 academy youngsters on professional deals at the club, including 15-year-old Lennon Miller, son of former Scotland and Aberdeen striker Lee Miller.

A host of top talent has come out of the club in recent years including David Turnbull, Allan Campbell, Jake Hastie and Chris Cadden.

And it is believed Braidhurst High School pupil Rice could be the next big thing to be produced by the Fir Park academy, which is currently headed up by ex-star Steven Hammell.

The report adds: "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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