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Sources: Winner named in Rangers, Wigan Athletic and Sunderland race to sign Josh Stones after deal agreed
Josh Stones has agreed to join Wigan Athletic ahead of competing interest from Rangers and Sunderland, Football Insider understands.
This site revealed on 25 March that the Latics were leading the race to land the Guiseley striker, 18, ahead of the two rivals.
A recruitment source has told Football Insider that Stones has now accepted Wigan’s offer of a three-year contract.
He cannot officially complete the transfer until 1 July.
But it is expected to be formalised at that point with a deal that will run until the summer of 2025.
The youngster impressed during a training stint at the League One outfit in March.
The striker could be plying his trade in the Championship next season, with the Lancashire side currently occupying the second automatic promotion spot in England’s third tier.
Guiseley announced Stones had signed first team forms last year (27 October), following an impressive start to the season.
The forward has since notched 15 appearances for the Yorkshire club’s senior side, scoring once.
Stones had netted nine goals in five youth team games prior to making the leap into senior football.
The 18-year-old started out as a midfielder during youth football but has since transitioned into a striker role.
The youngster has been a key member of England’s under-18 schoolboys’ side since his call-up in December 2021.
Wigan are in the box seat to secure promotion to the Championship this term.
The Latics could move five points clear of current league leaders Rotherham if they can win their two games in hand.
In other news, Championship side open talks over Premier League loan for “giant” striker.