Liverpool lead chase for Rangers defender Danny Wilson

Wilson has become a regular at the heart of Rangers' defence at 18

By Alasdair Lamont

Liverpool have stepped up their interest in signing Rangers' young defender, Danny Wilson.

The English Premier League side have followed up their initial enquiry, with the 18-year-old yet to sign the new contract on offer to him at Ibrox.

Tottenham Hotspur have a long-standing interest in the player, while both Manchester City and Aston Villa are keeping an eye on his situation.

But Liverpool's interest has been most keenly expressed so far.

And, with just over a year left on Wilson's contract, Rangers may soon have a big decision to make.

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It would take somewhere in the region of £3m plus add-ons linked to future appearances or transfers to prise the player away this summer.

However, if he stays until the end of his contract, Rangers could expect to get only about £500,000 in compensation.

Rangers remain hopeful, though, that Wilson will sign the contract they have offered.

The day after the defender scored his first goal for Rangers, in a 4-1 win over Hearts on 27 March, manager Walter Smith said he expected Wilson to follow the example of fellow teenager John Fleck by signing a contract extension in the following days.

However, that did not come to fruition and chief executive Martin Bain last week admitted that the two sides had yet to reach agreement and that Liverpool had made an enquiry.

Wilson has become a first-team regular at Ibrox this season and has made 24 appearances for the Scottish Premier League leaders.