Teen striker snubs Rangers to sign Hearts extension

Talented teenage striker James Wilson has opted to reject a potential move to Rangers by putting pen to paper on a two-year contract extension with Hearts, according to sources.

The in-demand 16-year-old forward will remain at Tynecastle for the foreseeable future despite reported interest from clubs both north and south of the border.

Manchester United, Leeds, Brighton and Celtic were all said to be chasing his signature but Wilson has decided to continue his development as a Jambo, much to the delight of the Edinburgh outfit.

Sporting director Joe Savage predicted that the promising prospect is destined for the top due to his natural ability.

"“We’re over the moon. We believe James is currently the best striker of his age and the sky’s the limit for him,” Savage said."

“There’s so much to like about how he plays. He’s only going to get bigger, stronger and quicker.”

Meanwhile, Wilson expressed satisfaction at signing fresh terms. “I’ve worked with the manager (Steven Naismith) for a while now and know a lot of the coaches.

You can see where the pathway is going with this club and as a young player, that’s what you want,” he said.

James Wilson snubs Rangers to sign Hearts extension

While Rangers will be disappointed to miss out on Wilson, youth players are unpredictable at this stage of their development.

A lot of work goes on behind the scenes to track young talent locally, nationally and internationally.

Although Wilson won’t be heading to Ibrox, Rangers were able to attract another top Scottish prospect in Bailey Rice from Motherwell.

Rice is progressing well and has already made his first-team debut, coming on as a late substitute against Livingston in February.

That was a memorable weekend for the 16-year-old who captained Scotland’s Under-17 side in a 7-0 thrashing of Switzerland before appearing for Rangers just 24 hours later.