Blackpool offer contract to teenage defender

The 18-year-old has caught the eye for the club’s academy side this season and was named on the bench for the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy win at Port Vale in October.

His form has prompted manager Neil McDonald to offer him a senior deal at the club, which could tie him to Bloomfield Road for at least the next two years.

Wilson confirmed on Twitter: “I’m delighted to have been offered my first professional contract at Blackpool FC.”

Wilson joined the club as a 15-year-old from Manchester United, having been signed by the Premier League giants at the age of nine.

Brought up in Lytham, the former St Bede’s pupil was part of the Lytham Juniors side which produced fellow full-back Joe Riley, who has played twice for United’s first team this week.

Wilson celebrated the contract offer with 90 minutes at right-back on Wednesday as Blackpool’s Reserves lost 1-0 to Manchester United in the Lancashire Senior Cup.