Wilson set for Rangers loan

Danny Wilson is set to depart Liverpool – with former club Rangers close to securing a season-long loan deal for the young defender.

But reports that Joe Cole could be set to follow the Scot out of Anfield are wide of the mark. The 29-year-old had been rumoured to be close to a move to Tottenham, but the ECHO understands that Liverpool are yet to receive a serious approach for the midfielder.

Wilson left Rangers to move to Anfield last summer, in a deal which cost the Reds an initial £2m.

The Scotland international signed a three-year deal, but just 12 months on, and having made just eight first-team appearances for the Reds, he is set for a return to the club with which he began his fledgling career.

It is understood that the move will not be a permanent one, with Reds boss Kenny Dalglish eager to see the talented centre-back gain a season of first-team experience before returning to continue his development at Anfield.

New Rangers boss Ally McCoist, who worked with Wilson at youth team level, is eager to add a centre-back to his squad, with Madjid Bougherra likely to leave Ibrox this summer.

But the Gers' off-field situation could potentially complicate any transfer deal. Chairman Alastair Johnston and fellow director Paul Murray were sacked last month; both were key personnel in Rangers' player recruitment team.

Additionally, chief executive Martin Bain is currently suspended, pending an internal inquiry into allegations of misconduct and "financial irregularities", and as yet no replacement or equivalent has been appointed by new chairman Derek Whyte.

Wilson made his debut for the Scottish champions in October 2009, and was named as Young Player of the Year by the SFA the following May, having helped Rangers to the Scottish league and cup double. He made his Scotland debut in November of last year, scoring in a 3-0 win against the Faroe Islands.

The left-footer's style - cool, composed and eager to pass the ball from defence - had led to tentative comparisons with another Anfield Scot, Alan Hansen, but Wilson made just one Premier League start last season, in a 3-1 defeat at West Ham, as he was used predominantly during the Reds' ill-fated Europa League campaign.

Meanwhile, Dalglish is expected to make a formal approach this week for Sunderland midfielder Jordan Henderson, as he steps up his efforts to strengthen his squad.

Sunderland dismissed claims last week that they had received a £13m bid for the 20-year-old midfielder, but Liverpool are now set to test the Wearsiders' resolve with a significant offer.

Henderson, currently away on international duty with England's Under-21s, is believed to be receptive to a move to Anfield and Black Cats boss Steve Bruce, while desperate to hold on to his prized asset, is privately resigned to the fact that Henderson will leave and is hoping he can net a fee of £20m.

Lee Cattermole, Henderson's midfield team-mate at the Stadium of Light, is also on the Reds' radar, but no official approach has been made for the 23-year-old, who would be able to speak to any club which meets his release clause - believed to be around £10m.

Blackburn defender Phil Jones and young Ipswich starlet Connor Wickham are also believed to be on Dalglish's shopping list.

Source: Liverpool Echo