Reds chase Gers youngster

Teenager targeted by Rafa Benitez's side

Last updated: 3rd April 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Reds chase Gers youngster

Wilson: Liverpool target

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Liverpool have made an enquiry about signing Rangers defender Danny Wilson, the Scottish club have confirmed.

The 18-year-old was expected to sign a new contract with the Ibrox outfit this week, however, manager Walter Smith has revealed talks to secure the teenager's services were ongoing.

Rangers are keen to keep hold of the youngster on a long-term basis, with his current contract set to expire at the end of next season, although the club confirmed two Premier League sides were chasing his signature - one of them being Rafa Benitez's Liverpool.

Wilson made his full Rangers debut earlier in the season in a League Cup tie against Dundee and his reputation as an emerging prospect has grown, with Smith confident enough to use his services regularly throughout the campaign.

Chief executive Martin Bain told the club's official website: "Danny has been exceptional for us and where I'm at with those negotiations is that we have made him an offer - we've had many discussions - and there is a schedule that sits with his agent at the moment.

"Two English Premiership clubs approached us in January and since then I have had the odd discussion and we have seen people coming along to watch our players and you can see who they are coming along to watch.

"I can confirm that Liverpool have expressed an interest but a lot of clubs are keeping abreast of Danny's situation.

"Danny is a young boy and has done exceptionally well, but I'm sure Walter would say he has a lot to learn and I would like to see him commit himself to Rangers and go on to become the Rangers player he can be.

"Sometimes in life you have to play the long ball and I hope this comes to fruition."

Complacency

Meanwhile, defender Steven Whittaker admits his side's shock 4-1 defeat to St Johnstone on Tuesday was partly down to complacency.

The Gers could have gone 13 points clear at the summit of the SPL, however, the loss saw their attempts to wrap up the title suffer a set-back.

Whittaker conceded complacency had crept into the performance at McDiarmid Park but insists his team will improve for Saturday's visit of Hamilton to Ibrox.

"It probably did on Tuesday night," said the 25-year-old. "We need to put that right and we can't allow that to come into our game. We need to play at a higher tempo and it's important we do that this weekend.

"We were all disappointed on the night and it was definitely a wake-up call that there is still a job to be done so hopefully we can go on and win the next two home games.

"We all know we weren't good enough on the night. The manager spoke to us after the game and at training and we are all looking forward to the game against Hamilton."