Swansea City look to beat Welsh rivals Cardiff City to ‘very mature’ Rangers starlet

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Swansea City’s start to the season did not exactly go to plan, as they were beaten 1-0 by Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium last weekend.

Alan Sheehan’s side struggled to lay a glove on Boro, who were excellent defensively. Rob Edwards’ captain on that day, Dael Fry, scored the only goal of the game on Teesside with the Swans now preparing for the visit of Sheffield United.

The Blades were beaten 4-1 by Bristol City in their first game, and Ruben Selles will be looking for a reaction – particularly after his side were then knocked out of the Carabao Cup in the first round on Wednesday evening by Birmingham City.

Nevertheless, Swansea have been relatively active in the transfer window so far, and they are now trying to beat their bitter rivals Cardiff City to a signing.

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Swansea City battle Cardiff City for Rangers’ Bailey Rice

As per information from our Chief Football Correspondent Graeme Bailey, EFL Analysis can exclusively reveal that the Swans are fighting it out with the Bluebirds for Rangers youngster Bailey Rice.

We understand that Sheehan is keen on the 18-year-old, but Cardiff are hoping to undermine their Welsh rivals.

Nonetheless, with Swansea currently a division above Brian Barry-Murphy’s club, this could pay dividends in any potential negotiations.

Rice made 12 appearances for Rangers’ senior team in the 2024/25 campaign, with three of those coming in the Europa League, while he has been an unused sub in all four of the Scottish giants’ Champions League qualifiers so far this season.

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Ex-Rangers manager Phillipe Clement is a fan of Bailey Rice

At just 18, there is plenty of potential with Rice and it is no surprise to see Swansea interested as they look to add even more youth into their squad. The midfielder was well-liked by his former manager, Phillipe Clement, and the ex-Rangers boss was keen to get the teenager involved last season, despite his inexperience.

Nevertheless, he also recognised that he still has lots to learn, and in February, he told Rice what he wanted from him going forward. This is something that Sheehan and Swansea potentially will have to follow up on if a deal is agreed.

Clement said (via: The Sun): “Of course, I spoke with Bailey. I know there was concern about him being taken off at half-time and the effect it might have on him. But there’s no reason to have doubts about that.

“We had individual meetings with all the players, including Bailey. He was the first one not happy with his first half. But that’s normal. He’s 18, it was his first start at Ibrox and he’s a lifelong fan of the club. So there was a certain tension around it.

“Bailey played an OK game but the specific quality he has that will make him a top player – he didn’t use it in this game. That’s his really good passing forward to break lines. But he’s a player I really believe in. I don’t give easy chances to 18-year-olds in big games. Bailey feels my confidence in him and it was interesting in our meeting to see how he reacted in that situation.

“He’s very mature and understanding of what he did wrong because he saw it himself. He’ll learn from it and it will be a good experience for him in the end. He’s motivated and hungry. It will make him better, there’s no doubt about that.”