CHAMPIONSHIP side Wigan Athletic have won the race for striker prodigy Josh Stones from Guiseley.

The 18-year old forward will join up with Wigan's U23 squad for pre-season after the side from the second-tier beat off a whole host of competition for the talented youngster, including from Blackburn Rovers, Sunderland and Rangers.

Stones has already earned international recognition for his talents, earning a spot in England’s schoolboys set-up.

He did find most of his game time for Guiseley’s academy sides but he was also in and around the senior picture last campaign, making 15 appearances in the National League North.

Stones joins Youssef Chentouf and Luke Brennan in joining Wigan's U23 set-up, the latter joining the Latics after his release from Blackburn Rovers.