Wigan Athletic beat Rangers and Sunderland to transfer agreement

Wigan Athletic have beaten off competition from League One rivals Sunderland and Scottish giants Rangers to sign non-league striker Josh Stones, according to Football Insider.

The 18-year-old, who plies his trade for National League North outfit Guiseley, has agreed a three-year contract with the Latics.

Stones made his debut for the sixth tier side back in October and has played 15 times this season, scoring once in a match against AFC Telford United.

Stones has also been featuring for England’s schoolboys team this season and has continued to catch the eye, with his latest performance ending with a hat-trick against Scotland on Friday night in a 4-0 victory.

Despite having relatively little senior footballing experience, Stones is set to climb up the leagues this summer, with a deal at the League One promotion hopefuls beginning on July 1.

The striker trained with Leam Richardson’s side in March and that experience seemingly gave them the edge over the Gers and the Black Cats in the race to secure Stones’ signature.

The Verdict

Even though this is a signing very much intended for the future, Stones may be someone who develops very quickly.

He clearly has an eye for goal and even though he’s only doing it at schoolboys level for his country right now, you have to start somewhere.

The fact Stones is already playing in men’s football at the age of 18 means he will already be ahead in his development and if he goes to under-23’s action next season then he will have an advantage.

You have to assume that Wigan will be a Championship club next season as well, so maybe that is what has seen Stones opt for the Latics as well ahead of both Sunderland and Rangers.

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