Leeds United had sent scouts (Daily Record) to watch Motherwell’s winger Jake Hastie in action last month, and the Whites were one of the clubs who were interested in pulling off a move for him. Apart from them, the likes of Middlesbrough, Celtic, Middlesbrough, Hull City and Derby County were also in the mix. However, in the latest turn of events, Scottish giants Rangers are close to securing his signature on a pre-contract deal if reports from the Scottish Sun are to go by here.
Hastie is in the final few months of his contract, and after some impressive displays in the past two months, a move to some top club looked imminent. However, we always thought that Rangers would find it hard to lure him over the other mentioned clubs.
Leeds United are desperately in need of a winger for quite some time as they tried their luck in January to bring in Daniel James of Swansea City. There is no doubt that the Whites need to improve their squad and to sign a winger is going to be on their agenda in the upcoming summer transfer window.
Hastie would be a decent addition at Elland Road as the young Scotsman has looked the part in the last two months. The 20-year-old had spent the first half of the season with second division Scottish outfit Alloa athletic before he was recalled back by his manager Stephen Robinson in January.
Since then, the Motherwell winger has influenced his team immensely and has managed four goals and one assist in 7 appearances. The Well’s have won four of their last six games, and the Scottish winger has played a significant role in that.
United are fighting to move to the Premier League through direct promotion spots, and we thought that they might have the edge over other rivals to secure a move for the promising youngster as they look to be in a good position to move to the Premier League by next season. However, Rangers have seemingly stolen a march over their other rivals here.
Hastie would have suited well in Bielsa’s system as he has impressive pace and the winger isn’t afraid to take on defenders. To go with that, the winger showcases excellent composure for a 20-year-old in the final third. He also has that odd spectacular goal in him, and there is no doubt that United would have happily taken him at Elland Road more so because he is in the final few months of his contract and there is no need for the signing club to pay a transfer fee.
