Leeds United’s efforts to sign Jake Hastie appear to be all but over after The Scottish Sun reported Rangers are close to signing the gifted teenager.
It had been reported north of the border by the Daily Record as early as February 8 that we were one of a number of clubs entering the race for his signature after sending representatives to watch him in action against St. Mirren.
United staff attending the game would have witnessed a tremendous goal by the young winger, as he continued his shock breakthrough season having only debuted for Motherwell’s senior side in January.
Now, unfortunately, it appears that we have missed out on strengthening Marcelo Bielsa’s options once more, having also failed to land Daniel James in January, as The Scottish Sun are claiming Rangers are near to finalising a pre-contract agreement with the 19-year-old.
Hastie would have arrived in West Yorkshire with the potential to set Elland Road on fire for nothing more than a development fee, as his contract at Fir Park is set to expire in the summer and will mark the end to a ten-year relationship, having joined the Well’s academy in 2009.
There is a suggestion that the winger could yet stay in Robinson’s clutches, despite the belief Rangers have won the race, so the door may still be ajar for United to steal a march on his signature at the last minute.
So far this season, since returning to Motherwell from a loan spell with Alloa Athletic, Hastie has made eight appearances in all competitions, scoring five goals and earning a maiden call-up to the Scotland U21 side to face Mexico and Sweden this month.