According to the latest reports from Evening Times, Rangers have ended their pursuit for signing Motherwell’s promising winger Jake Hastie. Reports had earlier emerged that the Gers were in talks with the winger over a pre-contract deal but the Evening Times are now reporting that Rangers grew frustrated with the negotiations and decided to call the deal off.
Leeds United were one of the names that were linked with him. We feel that the Whites have a window of opportunity to sign the player in the summer now that Rangers have pulled off from the race. United had sent scouts to watch the winger in action who has caught the eye in the Premiership in the last few months.
Hastie wasn’t even part of the Motherwell squad during the first half of the season as he was playing on loan for Championship outfit Alloa Athletic. However, the Well manager decided to give him a go in the first team after January, and since then there has been no turning back for Hastie.
Why does Leeds United need to sign him?
Wide areas are one of the positions where Leeds United need to add depth and reinforcements. The club missed out on signing Daniel James from Swansea City in January under spectacular circumstances. Therefore the club also identified the need towards signing a winger in January.
Jake Hastie is still a work in progress as he is just 20-year-old and the Whites faithful should not expect miracles from his straightaway. However, the youngster has been in fine form in the past few months as he has managed five goals and one assist in 10 Premiership appearances.
Hastie is predominantly a left winger, and currently, that spot is occupied by Jack Harrison in the Leeds United’s lineup. Harrison is only on loan, and the Whites would need to add more options in that position.
Player Strengths
The 20-year-old is a pacy winger who likes to take on defenders. He is direct in his approach and is willing to work hard off the ball as well. However, the thing which has caught everyone’s eye is his ability to finish in front of goal. Often young wingers are guilty of squandering chances and not keeping their composure in the final third. However, Hastie seems to have all that and with more experience, he is going to improve further.
With Rangers backing off in the race now, Bielsa has a perfect opportunity to sweep in for this talent. Moreover, the winger is available on a free transfer so United shouldn’t have much to lose if they make a move for him.
