Wilson has a year of his current deal at Ibrox to run

Rangers defender Danny Wilson is being advised by assistant manager Ally McCoist to reject offers from other clubs and extend his stay at Ibrox.

The club's chief executive Martin Bain has confirmed that Liverpool have made an enquiry about the young centre-half.

"My advice would be to sign a contract, stay and learn your trade at one of the biggest clubs," McCoist said.

"He is one of the better young players in the country. He has only turned 18, he has bags of time."

Wilson has been in talks about a new contract at Ibrox but has yet to commit to an extension.

"To my knowledge there has been no bid at all," said McCoist.

"If you are going to fulfil your talent and go to one of the top clubs in Europe then so be it, but I would obviously advise Danny to stay.

"In the current financial climate, it's vitally important that we have our own home-grown talent that the fans can relate to.

The fans love nothing more than one of their own coming through the ranks, a boy who has supported the club, playing for the club Rangers assistant manager Ally McCoist

"We have to get the boys in through the ranks. We have been doing that - Danny Wilson, Andy Little, wee Flecky (John Fleck). They are slowly but surely coming through.

"In my opinion the fans love nothing more than one of their own coming through the ranks, a boy who has supported the club, playing for the club. That's what the fans like. That's what I love.

"The more of these guys we can get in the club, the better.

Earlier this week, Bain told the club website: "Danny has been exceptional for us and where I'm at with those negotiations is that we have made him an offer.

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

Wilson has been a regular at the heart of the Rangers defence this season, having made 22 appearances so far.

And he scored his first goal for the club in last weekend's 4-1 victory at Hearts.

He has a year of his current deal to run and manager Walter Smith had expected him to sign a new contract with the Scottish champions this week.

"We've had many discussions - and there is a schedule that sits with his agent at the moment," added Bain.

"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.

"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."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version