Michael Beale eye reunion with Rangers player whose future is up in the air

Rangers want to keep Bailey Rice ahead of next season, but with the midfielder having plenty of options on the table, there is a lot of uncertainty.

The academy graduate's contract is set to expire at the end of June, and Rangers have put new terms forward to extend his spell in Govan. It has still yet to be accepted.

There is interest from within England as well as on the European continent for the 19-year-old as he looks to make the best move for his career.

However, now former Rangers manager Michael Beale has reportedly enter the fray, as he looks to reunite with the Ibrox star.

Beale handed Bailey his debut at Rangers back in March 2023, adding another twist to the future of the midfielder.

What has been said about Michael Beale's interest in Bailey Rice?

Beale's managerial career has taken plenty of twists and turns since he was sacked by Rangers in October 2023.

After departing Glasgow, he became Sunderland manager just two months later. However, as quickly as he joined the Black Cats, he was shown the exit door at the Stadium of Light.

Beale then took time out of management to link back up with Steven Gerrard in Saudi Arabia but has since resumed his career by joining Zulte Waregem for 2026-2027.

Now, according to the Daily Record, Beale is "watching the situation closely" when it comes to Rice at Rangers.

Rice will certainly have plenty of positive regard for the former Gers boss due to their history together.

So, this certainly adds another point of intrigue to the saga.

What has Beale previously said about Rice at Rangers?

Concern over Rice's future in G51 will be rife with Beale involved, as his opinion on the midfielder could sway his mind.

If Zulte Waregem make a play to swoop for the 19-year-old, Beale could potentially convince him that he can help him realise his potential.

Speaking in September 2023, Beale stated: "He is a player with a lot of potential and he has trained with us now for a long long time, I think he has been ready for a while to be in and around the squad."

Manager Danny Rohl has tried to convince Rice to remain at Rangers to prove he is ready as Beale once stated.

However, one option on the table is for Rice to sign the contract, and if the German feels he is not yet at the stage to make an impact, a loan move away could do him the world of good.

Perhaps the best move for all parties would be for him to remain at Ibrox, and if not ready, Beale could take him on a season-long loan.