Qualifying for the Champions League is crucial both from a financial standpoint, with budgetary requirements, and from an attractiveness standpoint, as it's a key tool in convincing foreign players to come and play in Italy.
Aston Villa, alongside European semi-finalists Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace, are pushing to sign the Scottish teenager as a free agent. Multiple English clubs have already entered formal discussions with Rice's representatives, presenting detailed pathways designed to accelerate his transition into senior first-team football.