Liverpool target Rangers defender Danny Wilson

Liverpool are hoping to beat Tottenham to the signing of highly-rated Rangers defender Danny Wilson this summer.

The Reds have already registered their interest in the 18-year-old centre-half who has just over a year remaining on his current contract.

The Scottish Premier League leaders are desperate to keep hold of Wilson and insist he is not for sale.

However, he has yet to sign the new long-term deal Rangers offered him and Liverpool, who have sent scouts to watch the youngster, are ready to test their resolve.

A fee of around £3milllion could convince them to do business this summer as if Wilson stays at Ibrox until the end of his contract Rangers would only receive about £500,000 in compensation.

Spurs have also been monitoring Wilsons progress for some time and manager Harry Redknapp is expected to join the hunt for the youngster at the end of the season.

Rangers chief executive Martin Bain, who confirmed the Reds have made an enquiry about the defender, remains hopeful Wilson will spurn the advances of both clubs and commit his future to the club.

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

"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 well but Im sure Walter (Smith) would say he has a lot to learn and I would like to see him commit himself to Rangers."

Livingston-born Wilson came through Rangers youth system and has become a first team regular. He made his debut against Dundee back in October and the following month the then 17-year-old became the youngest Rangers player to ever play in the Champions League. In total he has made 24 appearances this season and scored his first goal for the club in their recent 4-1 win over Hearts.

Assistant boss Ally McCoist has urged him to turn his back on the Reds.

"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.

"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."

Liverpools chances of landing Wilson are boosted by the fact that the Glasgow club are s31million in debt and unable to offer the kind of wages the defender could command south of the border.

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