West Ham could pounce on Rangers uncertainty as freebie Bailey Rice eyed

West Ham United could be about to move for out-of-favour Rangers ace Bailey Rice.

Rice is out of contract at Ibrox later this month, although his trainer did recent hint he may stay on with the Glasgow heavyweights.

For now, though, Rice is technically about to become a free agent and West Ham could be about to pounce.

According to the Daily Record, West Ham, Ajax and Schalke are all showing an interest in the 19-year-old.

Rice has spent four years at Rangers after arriving from Motherwell, with whom he rejected a professional contract.

And as West Ham gear up for a summer of change, it may well be that Rice ticks plenty of boxes for the Hammers.

What is Bailey Rice's contract situation at Rangers?

As mentioned, Rice is due to become a free agent in the coming weeks.

However, trainer Ash Taylor recently hinted Rice will be staying on at Rangers.

After working with the midfielder in Marbella, former player Taylor tagged Rangers on Instagram and said "it's all about... preparing for pre-season."

West Ham have a window of opportunity to pounce, though, and in doing so would land a player who would likely usually cost seven figures.

What would Rice bring to West Ham?

Rice is a holding midfielder by trade, but he has showed versatility and can also play at the back if needed.

He clearly would be a massive downgrade on someone like Mateus Fernandes.

But West Ham are having to be smart with their spending, and bringing in a player with experience of a decent level, including in Europe, makes sense.

Rice is on the radar of multiple clubs, including Ajax, so he is clearly doing something right.

If West Ham are to make their move, however, it has to be soon before Rangers confirm any sort of new deal.

This is not to say 'sexier' deals can't also happen, but savvy spending is going to be the key this summer - and it doesn't get savvier than a freebie.