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Scotland striker has full belief that he can thrive at Tynecastle Park

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Repeatedly receiving the ball into feet, turning and firing it out to Sabah Kerjota, James Wilson looked very much like the striker Hearts need on Sunday. The teenager’s 45-minute substitute appearance against Inverness in the Premier Sports Cup was nothing short of outstanding. He laced it with a goal, hoping to prove a point to head coach Wouter Vrancken that he is a serious option at centre-forward.

Last season’s loan move to Tottenham Hotspur was questioned by former Hearts manager Derek McInnes, who didn’t feel it was the right option for Wilson. The player is adamant it was. He is equally convinced he can lead the forward line back at Tynecastle Park having improved aspects of his game in London. Competition up front could soon increase with a transfer bid lodged for giant American striker JJ Williams, but Wilson isn’t flustered.

He is concentrating on his own situation and seemed to enjoy himself at the weekend. His close-range header put Hearts 4-2 ahead in a tie they would eventually win 6-2. “Yeah, I loved it. I thought I played well and then I was just desperate to get the goal,” he said. “When we went 2-1 down, you're a bit antsy. Actually, antsy is probably the wrong word. I was quite looking forward to trying to be the hero, to be honest. It was good to get my goal. I honestly don't score any good goals here. I'm not sure I've scored a goal more than six yards, but now I'll take it. It was just trying to be in the right place at the right time.”

Vrancken demands quick movement and sharp passing in the final third, which seems to suit Wilson. “Yeah, I think that's a style that we want to play. The manager has drilled that into us, that we can kill teams when we switch the play really quickly and we naturally have someone wide out there. For me, if someone runs out in front of me, then I'm coming back in to get set to play and go. Whether it's me playing it or someone else, it's just trying to get a switch and play really quickly.

“We have a lot of counter movements in the team now. Whether it's a No.10, the striker, the wide players running beyond. You've got to be smart, you've got to understand where people are moving. It's not just where you want to go, but if someone's running beyond you, then you need to drop. That's a key message. For strikers especially, being in the six yard box, that's where the most goals are scored. I showed that on Sunday.”

He now needs more opportunities and is resolute in his belief that he will take them. He had played less than 30 minutes of competitive football this season prior to Sunday. “I just need to make sure that I'm doing everything I can off the pitch. It's up to the manager, it's up to the people who make the decisions,” said Wilson. “If they believe that I'm doing the right job off the pitch, if they can trust me to play, then it's on them. I just need to make sure that I'm in the best condition I can be. I’ve been working really hard in the gym, on the pitch, just hoping for the chance and I got that on Sunday.

“It's still really early. He [Vrancken] only had about three weeks from when he came in to the start of the competitive games. There were obviously guys here. I wasn't here last year either, so he hasn't seen much of me. I’m just taking it in my stride. He's probably still getting to know everyone, he's still getting to see everything. I'm quite relaxed. I’ll just keep working hard and hoping that the opportunity comes. I totally believe I can do the job [up front for Hearts]. I’m working hard, I'm just trying to put myself in the best place possible. If he wants to pick me, then happy days.”

Discussing the Spurs loan, Wilson revealed that playing under-21 football and sitting on the bench for a couple of English Premier League matches was hugely beneficial. “Obviously everyone looks at that move going down south as: ‘You’re going down to play Under-21s football.’ I got the experience of training with their first team, being on the bench, the facilities, the physical nature of it, the link-up play especially. I think you see that on Sunday, the way I take it in and play it wide. That was something that got drilled into me down at Spurs. There are loads of things that I picked up on but you're surrounded by amazing players. They are world-class players getting to play in the Premier League, playing in the World Cup. You learn loads.

“I was in and out [of first-team training]. Under Igor Tudor especially, I was in quite a lot. Then, with [Roberto] De Zerbi, we just kind of helped them a little bit more, but you're still around it. You're still in the session, but you get to learn from them a bit more and see it. That was really cool. Being able to see the different managers, the different styles of play. It was an unbelievable experience.”

Asked if he stood by the decision and felt it was correct for his career, Wilson replied: “Yeah, 100 per cent. It was four months for me. There were about 10 games in that period - or I can get the experience of going down and training with a good Premier League side. They've got some world-class players. I'm getting game time again, which I missed out on in that period before. I feel like I'm a better player for it coming back. I’m just hoping I can show that now.

“Everyone is so physical down there. You see the pure size of the guys, how athletic they are. You try to compete with that. You've got guys like [Micky] Van de Ven, who's a man-mountain. He's so athletically quick. Being able to play against him, train against him, being able to see that was cool. There are loads of things I could list.”

Scotland international striker has spent four months at Tottenham

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James Wilson is poised to return to Hearts at the end of the season following four months on loan at Tottenham Hotspur. The Edinburgh News can reveal that the 19-year-old striker will soon head back to Riccarton eager to make an impression after experiencing life at an English Premier League club.

Wilson has played 10 times for Spurs Under-21s since moving south in February, scoring four goals to date. He is currently in London preparing for Friday night’s Premier League 2 play-off semi-final against Brighton and Hove Albion Under-21s. Tottenham are aiming to make the final and the young Scotsman could play an important part.

Either way, he is destined to return to his native Edinburgh this summer. Should Spurs Under-21s lose to Brighton tomorrow, Wilson could be back north as early as next week. However, he would not be able to take part in any of Hearts’ games in the Scottish Premiership title quest because the transfer window does not officially open until next month.

The teenager left Tynecastle Park for England hoping to play regular football after struggling for game time earlier in the season. Arsenal showed interest as the winter transfer window deadline approached, but London rivals Tottenham secured a loan deal for Wilson which includes the option of a permanent transfer for a fee of £2.5m. That clause won’t be invoked. Threatened by relegation, Spurs may need to cut costs this summer and Wilson is keen to play competitive first-team football elsewhere next season rather than remain an under-21 player.

He was named among the Tottenham substitutes for first-team Premier League games against Arsenal in February and Liverpool in March, but a senior appearance eluded him. He is contracted to Hearts until summer 2027 in a deal which could potentially be extended. So far, he has scored eight goals in 45 senior appearances for his parent club and will now aim to re-establish himself there during pre-season training.

The Hearts head coach Derek McInnes stated publicly in February that he did not feel a loan move to Tottenham was in Wilson’s best interests. He felt the player needed to play in amongst senior professionals rather than at under-21 level. Wilson was simply keen to play more football after making only 10 appearances for the Tynecastle side between July and January.

“I couldn't guarantee him minutes, such is the way it's been,” said McInnes at the time. “I told him and his agent that our preference was to stay, fight for his place, be part of something. But his head was turned with the Tottenham thing. I don't think it's the right move for him. Ultimately, it's academy football and I think he's better than that. But it was something James wanted to do.”

Tottenham have focused on recruiting young British players recently but their senior side are currently just one point above the Premier League’s relegation zone. They have had three different managers since the turn of the year - Thomas Frank, Igor Tudor and now Roberto De Zerbi.

Scotland international striker was on the bench against Arsenal

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Just days into his job as Tottenham Hotspur head coach, Igor Tudor made a telling decision last week. He promoted the on-loan Hearts teenager James Wilson to Spurs’ first-team squad after noting his touch and movement with the club’s Under-21 side. Wilson was named as a substitute against North London rivals Arsenal on Sunday, gaining a unique perspective of one of Britain’s biggest derby matches in the world’s most high-profile league.

The striker moved to England on transfer deadline day earlier this month because he wanted more regular football. Unable to break into the Hearts team this season, he was left frustrated sitting in the stand at times. Joining Tottenham Under-21s gave him a chance to play, but after just two appearances in Premier League 2 he finds himself in amongst the main event. That a man of Tudor’s standing and experience in football chose Wilson to step up is a significant endorsement of the 18-year-old.

Tudor has managed Juventus, Lazio, Marseille and Galatasaray among others after winning 55 caps as an imposing Croatian centre-back. As the saying goes, he knows his stuff. His reputation for an attacking, aggressive, high-tempo style precedes him. He also likes players of sound technical ability, pace and intelligence. Wilson was called up to train with Tottenham’s first-team squad late last week and scored for the Under-21s against Norwich on Friday.

The promotion came out of necessity, which shouldn’t be overlooked. Tudor was appointed on 13 February on a contract until the summer after Spurs sacked Thomas Frank. He arrived in N17 tasked with steering the club properly clear of relegation but inherited a multitude of problems. Most immediately, he had nine players missing for the Arsenal match. Captain Cristian Romero was suspended, with James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, Mohammed Kudus, Lucas Bergvall and Wilson Odobert all out injured. Tudor, therefore, needed to get creative.

Wilson was brought in to reinforce the group ahead of a massive fixture. Tudor is keen to give players fresh opportunities and the young Scot is an early beneficiary. He is also mature enough not to be overwhelmed or daunted in among household names like Xavi Simons, Dominic Solanke and Micky van de Ven. Being Scotland’s youngest ever senior internationalist will certainly have helped. He scored eight times in 45 senior appearances for Hearts and became the youngest scorer in UEFA Conference League history at just 17.

Wilson impressed in training and took his place on Tottenham’s bench on Sunday. He wore his own squad number, 79, underlining the fact that he was signed as a development player. Less than three weeks after leaving Hearts, he is making rapid progress. That is partly down to a lack of numbers right now, but it is also testament to the player’s own dedication and talent. He said upon joining Spurs: “I’m just coming here to work really hard, do everything I can to be as good as I can, and hopefully make the most of it.”

He seems to be doing just that while learning to cook and clean for himself. Wilson has just left home for the first time in his life and is surviving on his own in Britain’s Capital city. The change and new experiences are welcome despite Tottenham’s current troubles. They lost 4-1 at home to Arsenal - the striker remained an unused sub - and now visit Fulham for another London derby this Sunday. Wilson is scheduled to continue training with the first team this week and could again be in the squad at Craven Cottage. As more senior players return, Tudor will have the option of keeping Wilson or returning him to the Under-21s.

Beyond that, Spurs have a decision to make on the teenager’s future in a few weeks. His loan agreement includes an option for a permanent summer transfer which the Premier League club can invoke. The pre-agreed fee is understood to be £2.5m before add-ons, and Hearts would also be entitled to a sell-on fee should Tottenham transfer Wilson to another club in future. His contract at Tynecastle Park runs until 2027.

Wilson stands to benefit regardless. Either he returns north with first-hand experience of English Premier League players and training methods, or he signs for one of the country’s biggest clubs. The name ‘Tudor’ is synonymous with English history and, between now and the summer, may also have a huge bearing on this young Scotsman’s future.

The Hearts player left Tynecastle on loan for Tottenham on transfer deadline day.

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James Wilson has been backed to become a Tottenham goal-getter after the Hearts loanee netted his first goal for Spurs at Premier League 2 level.

The striker scored after just 60 seconds in the clash against Norwich City as Tottenham went on to win 4-1 thanks to further goals from Rio Kyerematen, Reiss-Alexander Russell-Denny and Ellis Lehane. It’s left them seventh in the youth league table as Wilson continued an enjoyable start to life in North London, where the Premier League side have an option to buy.

Wilson opted for England on the final day of the winter transfer window, despite Hearts head coach Derek McInnes being keen to see him remain in Scotland and playing senior football. The 18-year-old has featured 45 times for the Premiership club from Gorgie and also played for Scotland’s national team but focus has now turned to earning an extended Tottenham stay through the permanent option in his loan deal.

How will James Wilson cope at Tottenham?

U21s Head coach Wayne Burnett senses the Hearts loanee will score goals aplenty at Tottenham. He said to club media: “I thought at times we played some very good football, created some opportunities and probably didn’t capitalise, certainly in the first half.

“Norwich were very good, they made it difficult for us, they condensed the spaces – certainly inside, so we had to play more on the outside – and it was a tough game, but once we got the second goal, which was an excellent strike by Rio, we went on to be worthy winners.

“James has worked very hard. He’s a player that we know can score goals and he took his goal very well. He’s still getting up to speed but we’ve been really pleased with him. He’s a top individual, he’s a very good footballer and I think he’s going to score goals. He wants to get in the frame of the goal and, as I said, he took his goal very well.”

Why did James Wilson move from Hearts to Tottenham

Speaking recently on his move to Tottenham, Wilson said: “I'm buzzing. It happened so quickly for me. Deadline day was a busy day. It all happened so quickly, and then yeah, it's nice to be here. I'm buzzing to be at Spurs. I've been to London but not properly to visit. Used it as a kind of travelling base.

“It’ll be the first time leaving home so even that will be a challenge, just getting used to me having to cook for myself, having to clean for myself. It's a great opportunity for me. A new environment. It's a big thing.

“I've been at Hearts since I was nine. So getting this environment, of just trying something different, and yeah, hopefully make the most of it. The training ground is incredible. It looks so new. The pitches look incredible. I mean, I'm loving the kit, everything about it, it looks amazing. I think I would be someone who wants to get in the box and score goals.”

European qualification the goal for player with Champions League experience already this season

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Never underestimate the appeal of playing in an elite competition. And, while we all love to poke fun at the tomfoolery-heavy shenanigans associated with the Scottish Premiership from time to time, there’s no doubt that our country’s top division is an attractive destination for a certain type of up-and-coming footballer.

Take Dane Scarlett, for instance. He loves Tottenham Hotspur. Loves being a Spurs player.

But, at the age of 21, he’s taken a well-trodden path north, searching for the regular game time that should – he hopes – turn him into a Premier League footballer capable of lighting up the richest league in the world.

The striker has impressed in his first two outings for Hibs, catching the eye as a substitute in the 0-0 draw against Rangers at Easter Road on Sunday, and then leading the line as the best of the starters in Wednesday night’s dramatic comeback win over Dundee United. The kid has game, as our American cousins would put it.

Already eyeing up a first Edinburgh derby at Tynecastle on Tuesday night, but still struggling with names of team-mates and local accents following his arrival late in the transfer window, Scarlett has individual AND collective targets in his sights for the coming months.

Which is where the environment really matters. Because being part of a club like Hibs, playing for a team still hoping to push on at the business end of Scotland’s top division, is a prize in itself.

Scarlett played against Frankfurt in Champions League just over a week ago

Explaining why he’d leapt at the chance to leave behind a semi-satisfying existence of coming off the bench in Champions League and Premier League games for one of England’s biggest clubs, Scarlett said: “I was just focused on getting as many minutes as possible and going and showing what I can do.

“Because it's good being at Spurs. I love it. That’s been my club since I was very young.

“But I need to play football and go and express myself. And I felt like here was the best place.

“Coming to Scotland, it’s different. I just wanted to try something new, really, and see.

“I feel like it's a good league, especially for strikers. And I feel like I can push on from this start and do well.

“And yeah, it plays a part as well, that you’re coming to a top league where every game matters so much. Obviously, I want to help.

“This is a massive club with big targets. I want to help push for Europe and finish the season strong.”

There’s a lot to recommend the SPFL as a jumping-off point for elite young talent. Not least the prevalence of genuine rivalries guaranteed to stir the blood and set the adrenaline pumping.

A one-minute cameo for Ipswich against Norwich during a six-month loan back in 2023 is pretty much the extent of Scarlett’s experience of senior derby matches. An appearance so fleeting that he actually forgets to mention it when discussing the prospect of next week’s jaunt to Gorgie.

Totttenham prospect ‘ready’ for Hearts at Tynecastle

“I've heard it's the big one,” he said, looking ahead to bearding Hearts in their own den, the England Under-21 forward adding: “And I'm ready. I can't wait, really.

“I was excited about it right after the United game, thinking about the experience. I'm ready for when it comes.

“I’ve seen footage, saw that we won the last one at Easter Road. I just want to be a part of it – and get the feeling for myself.

“Growing up, obviously the big derbies I’ve been involved in are probably against Arsenal. Even in the academy it’s a big game, Tottenham-Arsenal, and it’s always a bit feisty.

“But it’s different, playing in the first team. I probably haven’t played in a proper senior derby yet.

“I was just really happy to get the start against Dundee United, obviously. I haven't played for a while, so I was buzzing to be in from the start and go and express myself. And I’m mainly glad we got the three points in the end.

“Yeah, my legs were going at the end just a little bit. But I felt good. And I can build on that now.

“I think we've done well. The first two games that I've actually been around, I feel like we've played some good football, created some nice chances.

“I feel like there's obviously a few new boys in the group, so I feel like when we gel and we play with each other, the more we play with each other, the better I feel like we're going to get.

“I just love playing football and being on the pitch. When I'm on the pitch, I have belief in myself. I know what I can do. I'm happy to be on the pitch.”

Hibs boss Gray had some obvious concerns in the wake of Wednesday night’s 3-2 win. Not least his team’s fragility in defending set-piece plays, with both Dundee United goals coming from almost identical deliveries at corner kicks.

But the fact that Hibs battled back from 2-1 down to get the win felt substantial, not least for the players involved, Scarlett declaring: “Great character, obviously. Maybe the goals that we conceded weren't great to concede, but it shows that we've got a real fight and togetherness to pull it back at the end. And it’s a great header, excellent finish, from Suto for the winner.

“I’m still getting there with everyone’s names, to be honest. Maybe not everyone yet, but I’m getting there. And the accent! Getting it slowly but surely.”

Thomas Frank full of praise for England Under-21 forward

Spurs boss Thomas Frank has spoken highly of Scarlett, describing the attacker as a “fantastic finisher” who simply needs games to take that final step in his development. The Tottentham gaffer’s public comments echo private conversations between player and coach.

“Yeah, we've had a few conversations,” said Scarlett. “Thomas is a good manager. He's very approachable, so yeah, we had some good chats.

“I didn't really speak to him about Scotland in particular, but we spoke about going on loan and going to get the minutes that I need. And yeah, he just wished me well.

“I got a few games (at Spurs), but not an awful lot. I was mainly involved with the first team on the bench. Got a few minutes coming on here and there, but that's not what I need right now. I need to be playing week in, week out and getting the minutes in my legs, the goals and feeling good.

“Yeah, it's difficult to break into a Premier League team like Spurs. But I believe I can do it. And I'm going to keep trying and trying.”

David Gray’s men head into Edinburgh derby at Tynecastle on back of morale-lifting win

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There was no denying Ante Suto his headline-grabbing moment. A truly spectacular header to win a five-goal thriller in injury time is not the sort of thing anyone is going to overlook.

Ask any Hibs fan to pick out the most impressive performer from a night of high drama at Easter Road, however, and the name of Dane Scarlett will surely dominate the debate. Not least in any discussion with David Gray.

The Hibs boss positively purred with satisfaction as he reflected on Scarlett’s first start in green-and-white, the on-loan Tottenham Hotspur forward – described as a “goal-scoring striker” by his new gaffer – building on a substitute’s appearance against Rangers with an impressive all-round showing against Dundee United. The only thing missing from last night’s masterclass in centre forward play was a goal. Which will come, according to Gray.

England Under-21 player has featured in Champions League this season

A player who has Premier League and Champions League minutes under his belt already this season, Scarlett has inspired plenty of fine words in his short career, with Spurs boss Thomas Frank hailing a “fantastic finisher” who simply needs game time to reach his full potential. Hibs were more than happy to offer that chance to the 21-year-old, with the Edinburgh club’s pursuit of Scarlett definitely ramping up a gear as soon as Kieron Bowie’s £7 million sale to Hellas Verona became an inevitability.

Gray, who replaced his tiring line leader with Suto to great effect just after the hour mark in a dramatic contest, always believed in the ability of a player who has represented England all the way up to under-21 level. And the Hibs boss, a former Man United academy player back in the day himself, believes coming through the development system at a huge Premier League club like Spurs represents a sort of quality mark for top talent.

“Just in terms of the grounding and the quality he's going to have, he’s grown up around top professionals,” said Gray. “To get to that level, you need to be a very good professional.

“Lots of ability, lots of resources round about you. But you need to be of a certain level to get to that point.

“He's already played this season, featured in Champions League football. Playing with top players at the top end of the game, elite-level players, that can only be a good thing.

“Obviously, added to that, he's got that opportunity to go and add a bank of games, which is what he wants to do. Now he has to get out on loan, get more exposure to first-team football, more regular game time - and score goals.

“That is what he is. He's a goal-scoring striker. Against Dundee United, his all-round performance was really good. And I think he'll get better the more games he gets.”

Centre forward ‘focal point’ role addressed

Assessing the showing of a player who held the ball in as part of a dynamic front three, showing off his strength and passing skills with some excellent link play, Gray declared: “He was excellent. I thought he put in a real all-round performance, his work rate and his quality.

“How well he led the line was a big thing. He was a real focal point for us.

“A wee bit unfortunate a couple of times. A couple of blocked shots. But we’ve seen what he can do.

“We know that, with the research we've done, he's a very good finisher off both feet. Certainly, for the time he was on the pitch, he was a real handful for Dundee United.

“He's only going to get better. The more minutes he gets, the more exposure he gets, the more time he gets on the training pitch with us and how we want to play, the more familiar he gets with his teammates. I think he's only going to get better, which is great.

“He can be really happy with his night's work. He obviously got a bit tired, as you would expect, not having played a lot of football. But for him as an individual, coming up here and trying to hit the ground running, he's certainly done that, which is good.”

Front three a new look for Easter Road side?

The Hibs shape looked just slightly different against Dundee United, with Martin Boyle and Elie Yoan playing either side of central runner Scarlett. Yet Gray insists the minor tweak on his usual 3-4-1-2, which would normally see a player like Jamie McGrath play in the No. 10 role behind two more central strikers, does NOT represent a dramatic change of formation.

“I think people talk about the front three; it was really a nine and two tens,” he said, explaining: “Personnel probably made it seem like more of a front three because Youan and Boyle are not associated with being centre-forwards.

“When I put Jamie in that ten position, he’s more of a midfielder. It is very much relative to certain positions and a couple of yards here and there.

“In the first half, I thought we looked really dangerous at times. In the second half, we had really dangerous moments but then made the wrong choice or the wrong pass.

“As I say, there's a lot more to come for the group. Even players who didn't get on against Dundee United, young Rudi Molotnikov, young Owen Elding, they didn’t feature. We've certainly got options now going forward.

“We were a wee bit restricted just with injuries and things that happened in the game. There's certainly a lot of options moving forward, which can only be a good thing.”

EPL loan move to London could lead to a permement deal

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Hearts head coach Derek McInnes believes teenage striker James Wilson might live to regret joining Tottenham Hotspur. An initial loan deal was agreed with the option of a £2.5m permanent transfer this summer, but McInnes feels Wilson should be playing at a higher level than Spurs’ under-21 side.

The 18-year-old Riccarton youth academy graduate took the chance to move to London on transfer deadline day. He had grown increasingly frustrated at his lack of games with Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts this season. The Edinburgh club wanted him to stay and potentially go on loan in Scotland - St Johnstone were keen to utilise their co-operation agreement with Hearts to take Wilson to Perth - but the player chose Tottenham.

He will play for their youth side in England’s Premier League 2 and, if he impresses, Spurs have the option to sign him permanently this summer. McInnes explained his feelings on the move after initial interest from Arsenal changed to a deal with Tottenham for the young Scotland internationalist. “James wanted to go, that has to be said. So you don't want to keep a player who then becomes unhappy,” said McInnes.

“I couldn't guarantee him minutes, such is the way it's been. I told him and his agent knew that our preference was for him to stay, fight for your place, be part of something. Get a loan in Scotland if need be, if you need to top your minutes up, and we can maybe recall you so you still get the best of both worlds.

“His head was turned with the Tottenham thing. First of all it was Arsenal, then Arsenal went quiet and then all of a sudden Tottenham came to the table yesterday [Monday] afternoon. I don't think it's the right move for him. Ultimately, it's academy football and I think he's better than that, but it was something James wanted to do.

“Like I say, we made it clear that our preference was for him to stay and be part of something here. He made the decision and I hope it goes well for him because he's a great kid and we'll see how it plays out. For us, I just need to concentrate on the players who are here, who want to be here and who want to play their part.”

Hearts lost 1-0 at St Mirren on Tuesday night as a late Miguel Freckleton header earned an important win for the Paisley side in their attempts to move clear of the Premiership relegation zone. Hearts defender Craig Halkett was sent off on 29 minutes for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity and is now suspended for next week’s Edinburgh derby against Hibs at Tynecastle Park.

“Yeah, there is a consequence of that,” acknowledged McInnes. “We've spoken about that. It's not only to put extra stress on the lads that are playing, but there's a consequence of that when you're without key players for games. We've already spoken about injuries and suspensions and getting through that, and our coping mechanisms have been brilliant so far.

“Listen, it's hard to criticise. There's no criticising my players once we've got 10 men. We were terrific in terms of what I expect from them and what we've shown over a period now. But we got top of the league by being something, and teams need to know that if they want to come after us, we're going to put it in behind you. We're going to run, we're going to test you, try to put stress on the back line. And then you just might earn the right to play a wee bit more.”

Premier League side secure the Scotland international striker

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James Wilson has completed a loan move from Hearts to Tottenham Hotspur which includes the option of a permanent transfer. The two clubs agreed a deal earlier today for the 18-year-old Scotland internationalist. It sees Hearts receive an immediate six-figure loan payment followed by transfer fee if Spurs decide to sign Wilson permanently at the end of the season.

The pre-agreed summer fee is understood to be £2.5m before add-ons, with Hearts also entitled to a sell-on fee should Spurs transfer Wilson to another club in future. The Edinburgh club were in no rush to see one of their most promising youth academy graduates leave, but the striker is keen to play more often after dropping to the fringes of the Tynecastle first-team squad. He now gets the opportunity to impress English Premier League coaches.

Both Tottenham and their London rivals Arsenal approached Hearts in recent days as interest in the youngster grew. Arsenal held talks with Tynecastle officials but Spurs stepped in with the offer of a loan fee and the option of a summer deal for an agreed sum. Hearts accepted it and Wilson travelled south on Monday to finalise the paperwork ahead of England’s transfer window closing at 7pm.

He will initially join Tottenham’s Under-21 side and play in Premier League 2. He will then hope to break into their senior squad in time, although competition for places will be fierce in amongst players worth tens of millions of pounds. Wilson is keen to play as much as possible during the second half of the season and then see whether that leads to a permanent contract with Spurs.

He managed 10 appearances for Hearts this season but found himself down the pecking order when it came to attacking places. Lawrence Shankland, Landry Kabore, Claudio Braga and Elton Kabangu were all ahead of the young Scot and he grew frustrated by the lack of game time. He started three of the Edinburgh club’s four League Cup group stage matches in July last year, but since then only made the starting line-up once. That was against Motherwell in August.

The move to Spurs offers the chance of more regular football and, potentially, the long-term opportunity to make an impact in one of the strongest leagues in the world. The next six months will be pivotal to the player’s future in London after he took the chance to leave formative club Hearts. His contract there runs until 2027. Should Tottenham decide not to invoke their option to sign him permanently, Wilson would then be contractually obliged to report to Riccarton for pre-season training in June ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

Hearts issued a statement confirming Wilson’s loan departure. It read: “James Wilson has completed a loan move to Tottenham Hotspur. The 18-year-old heads south to join the English Premier League outfit’s U21 side until the end of this season, subject to international clearance and Scottish FA approval.

“The terms of the loan move include an option to buy, for an undisclosed fee, on Spurs’ part. James rose to prominence last season with an Edinburgh derby strike and went on to win a full Scotland cap. He’s pulled on the maroon jersey on 45 occasions, scoring eight goals. Everyone at Hearts wishes James the best of luck at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.”

English giants take the Scotland international south

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Tottenham Hotspur are poised to sign Hearts teenager James Wilson ahead of Arsenal. Both London clubs made moves for the striker in the last 48 hours and Spurs are now firm favourites to secure his signature before the English transfer window closes at 7pm tonight. An initial loan deal with the option of a permanent transfer this summer has been agreed with Hearts and Wilson is heading to London to finalise the move.

Tottenham negotiated the loan and future fee with Tynecastle officials ahead of Arsenal and they are now preparing for 18-year-old Wilson’s arrival. The clause is an option rather than an obligation at the end of the season, meaning both parties can suss one another out before deciding if they wish to make the loan deal permanent.

Wilson will initially join Tottenham’s under-21 squad and aim to develop his game there with the potential to break into the senior squad in future. Hearts were in no rush to move him on but are willing to do business after Spurs put forward an acceptable offer of a loan fee and future transfer fee for the end of the season, should they wish to utilise that option.

Hearts agreed to let the Riccarton academy graduate leave even though captain Lawrence Shankland is injured until March. They are searching for a striker themselves but head coach Derek McInnes was not hopeful of signing one before tonight’s deadline.

Wilson’s Hearts contract runs until 2027 and he is keen to play more regularly at first-team level. That would be extremely unlikely right now should he complete a move to the English Premier League. He is viewed as a player who can develop in time to come. The forward would ideally like to continue playing senior football to enhance his game, but the lure of England’s top flight is tempting.

Already a Scotland full internationalist after coming through the Hearts youth development system, Wilson made his first appearance for his country last March against Greece at Hampden Park. He is highly regarded by a number of top clubs across Britain and spoke to Manchester United and Aston Villa before signing professional terms with Hearts at the age of 16.

Wilson has managed 10 appearances for Hearts so far this season but remains down the pecking order when it comes to attacking places. Shankland, Landry Kabore, Claudio Braga and Elton Kabangu are all ahead of the young Scot. He started three of the Edinburgh club’s four League Cup group stage matches in July last year, but since then he has only made the starting line-up once. That was against Motherwell in August. He is eager to find an option that grants him more game time.

Hearts will continue their own striker search up until the transfer window closes. McInnes stated after Saturday’s win at Dundee United that he was not confident of bringing in another forward in such a short space of time. Tynecastle officials are also aware of some clubs monitoring winger Alan Forrest ahead of the deadline.

Spurs forward a top prospect - and ideal replacement for departing Scotland striker?

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Hibs have secured highly-rated 21-year-old Spurs striker Dane Scarlett as their third signing of the January transfer window, after agreeing terms on a loan until the end of the season. Coming just as Kieron Bowie nears completion of his big-money move to Hellas Verona, the arrival of Scarlett represents a statement of intent – and a much-needed boost for boss David Gray, who has been desperate to add a quality centre forward to his squad even before losing Scotland striker Bowie.

Scarlett became Spurs’ youngest-ever player in 2020, and has already made over 100 senior appearances at club level – performing in the Premier League and UEFA Champions League with Spurs while enjoying loan stints at Portsmouth, Ipswich Town and Oxford United. His crucial goal and assist performance against Elfsborg in the Europa League last season guided Tottenham into the last 16 of the competition; with Scarlett named on the bench in the Europa League Final and earning a winners’ medal.

Scarlett has UEFA Champions League experience

Scarlett is also an established England youth international and was a key part of England U19’s 2022 UEFA European Championship triumph; scoring two goals in the competition and starting in the final. He scored against the Netherlands in his most recent U21 showing, and trained with the England national team in October 2025.

Hibs boss David Gray said: "Dane is a player with real talent, fantastic attributes and he will provide a genuine goal threat in the forward areas of the pitch with his pace, athleticism and technique. We are delighted to bring Dane into the building and we are all looking forward to working with him over the next six months."

Mackay: ‘Dane had offers in England and abroad.’

Hibs sporting director Malky Mackay added: "Dane is a top young player with serious potential and is an exciting talent. We're delighted that he saw Hibs as the best place for the next step in his career, despite having plenty of offers in England and abroad.

"I would like to thank Tottenham Hotspur for their cooperation and professionalism in the negotiations leading to an extremely smooth process of the loan. We're all really excited to see him in action between now and the end of the season."

Bowie is in Italy, meanwhile, to conclude his £7 million move to Verona. And he delivered a parting message to Hibs fans before he jetted out from Edinburgh Airport this morning.

“Obviously I’ve had 18 months at Hibs now,” said Bowie, the 23-year-old adding: “I’ve done extremely well there – and they’ve done well for me. So I think, for all parties, it’s good.

“And obviously Italy appeals now. There are a lot of Scotland players who have gone there and done well. It opens up a lot of opportunities for me and my family, so that’s the main thing.

“It's a top league isn't it? And everyone wants to do as best they can. Also the World Cup coming up, I've spoken about that a lot over the last couple of months and that's the idea.”