Tottenham transfer: James Wilson made a bad decision – McInnes

Heart of Midlothian manager Derek McInnes believes James Wilson made a mistake by joining Tottenham Hotspur on loan in a deal that could become permanent at the end of the season.

Arsenal were in talks with the Scottish Premiership leaders over a transfer for the 18-year-old but the Scottish striker joined Tottenham instead.

Wilson, who became the youngest player to represent Scotland when he featured in the UEFA Nations League play-off against Greece last March, will play for Tottenham’s Under-21s.

He has scored eight goals in 45 appearances since making his breakthrough at Hearts last season but has struggled for playing time this season.

“James wanted to leave, so you don’t want to keep a player who then becomes unhappy,” McInnes said.

“I couldn’t guarantee minutes for him, that’s how it was. I told him and his agent that we would rather stay, fight for his place, and be part of something.

“We will get him a loan back to Scotland if necessary, to bolster his minutes, and perhaps we can call him up – still getting the best of both worlds.”