The building of Sheffield Wednesday’s future has continued after they tied-down one of their foremost prospects.

Sheffield Wednesday have confirmed that starlet forward Will Grainger has signed a new contract with the club.

The teenage prospect spent a great deal of time on the fringes of the first team last season and was edged in to proceedings before making a marked impact in the last three matches of an ultimately doomed campaign, scoring his maiden senior goal in defeat at Oxford United and making his full debut on the last day win over West Brom.

Grainger was reportedly of interest to Premier League Everton in recent weeks but has now been confirmed to have penned a new three-year deal, which The Star believes to have been all but sorted last week. The length of Grainger’s contract represents a maximum show of faith from the club in Grainger’s ability. Article 18(2) of the FIFA regulations and the EFL Handbook state that clubs cannot bind a 17-year-old to a deal longer than 36 months.

The spritely attacker is a Wales youth international and was cruelly omitted from their under-19 squad that is hosting the European Championships. He has been the subject of admiration from a host of clubs in recent seasons as he has progressed through the ranks at S6. Despite a major squad rebuild that will see a host of attacking players join Wednesday this season, it is expected he will once again play a part in Henrik Pedersen’s senior plans this time out in League One.

Speaking to swfc.co.uk as part of the announcement, Grainger said: “It feels amazing – it's the best feeling of my life. It was never going to be anywhere else for me, only here. I think I can make an impact at this club and it's the best place for me to be.

“When you go out and play in front of so many people, there's only one thing on your mind and that's performing for the fans and getting everyone excited. You can see the foundations the club are putting into place and I think it’s only going to get better for everyone from here. We're going to demand high standards of each other as players and we're going to really have a good go this season.”

Sporting director Simon Wilson said: “Developing our own players is a hugely important part of building the future of Sheffield Wednesday, so securing Will’s long-term future is a significant moment for the club.

“We see Will as one of the strongest young talents in his age group and believe he has the attributes to develop into a very high-level player. He has made excellent progress since November and earned this opportunity through his hard work and development.

“At the same time, we share an understanding with him that there will be challenges, setbacks and important learning moments along the way. We look forward to supporting him on that journey and providing the environment needed for him to maximise his potential.”