Reports from Daily Record in February came out that Leeds United were interested in signing Motherwell’s winger Jake Hastie and the Whites had even sent scouts to see him in action. The Scottish winger was linked with likes of Middlesbrough, Celtic, Middlesbrough, Hull City, Rangers and Derby County. Latest reports from the same media outlet add that Rangers have reportedly agreed personal terms with the winger and the Scotsman accepted a four year deal with them.
Leeds United would be disappointed to miss out on another one of their targets as in January, Daniel James escaped from their clutches. Left wing is one of the spots where the club needs reinforcement as Ezgjan Alioski has been shifted to play in the full back role and the Macedonian is doing well in that position.
Currently, the left flank spot is usually occupied by Jack Harrison who is just on loan from Manchester City until the end of the ongoing season. Therefore the Whites are looking for a left winger, and after Daniel James, it seems like Jake Hastie has also gone out of their grasps.
Hastie is in the final few months of his contract, and after some impressive displays in the past three months, he has shot into the limelight. The 20-year-old wasn’t even playing for his parent club in the first half of the season as he was on loan with second division outfit Alloa Athletic.
However, the Well boss decided to have him back in January, and since then, Hastie has done wonders for the first team. The youngster has five goals in the Premiership in nine appearances, and we feel that Rangers have managed to sign a top talent.
But, Hastie is far from a finished product, and Leeds United are going to need proven players if they manage to make it to the Premier League. The Whites are in a good position to fight for the direct promotion spots with the season entering in its final lap. The fact that Hastie was available on a free transfer would have made him a no risk and a lucrative signing.
The youngster has impressive pace and is direct in his approach. His recent form showcases that he isn’t too shoddy in front of goal. Leeds United now need to look at other targets, but we believe that their transfer plans could be on hold at the moment as it is yet not clear which division they might play in next season.
Rangers and Gerrard have indeed pulled off a coup here. Although, a case could be made that Rangers already have too many wingers in their ranks. However, this is a good problem to have, and Gerrard should undoubtedly be happy with this deal.
