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McManus in awe of Leeds target Hastie

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OPINION

Jake Hastie has been tearing up the Scottish Premiership with his latest displays, and that should be major news among the Leeds United supporters with the Yorkshire giants reportedly in pursuit of the Motherwell attacker.

Scottish newspaper The Daily Record reported earlier this month that Leeds have sent scouts to keep close tabs on the 19-year-old, who is out of contract in the summer and could be up for grabs for a “cut price development fee” once the season ends.

West Brom and Norwich are also said to have been keeping an eye on the Scotland youth international after he returned to Motherwell in January following a half-season loan stint at Alloa Athletic.

Since returning to Fir Park, Hastie has been one of the best players in Scottish football.

BBC Sportsound pundit Tam McManus has been leading the praise for Hastie, claiming that his recent purple patch has been behind Motherwell’s rise up the Scottish Premiership standings.

The winger has scored four goals in his last three league outings for the Steelmen, including a lovely finish to open the scoring in a 2-1 win over Hearts on Sunday.

Former Hibernian striker McManus is clearly a huge fan of Hastie, and his gushing praise of the 19-year-old is sure to give the entire Leeds fanbase goosebumps.

“The one player everyone is talking about just now is Jake Hastie. Five goals in just six appearances for Motherwell since he returned from the club on loan from Championship side Alloa has catapulted him to major prominence in Scottish football,” McManus said on the Herald website.

He added: “Hastie looks like such an exciting footballer and has a wonderful left foot. Two superb goals v St Mirren and Hearts will have some Motherwell fans already comparing him to club legend James McFadden but it’s early days.

“He needs to sign his new contract at Motherwell then most importantly stay humble and hungry. If he does then the sky is the limit for him.

“It’s just fantastic to see another young Scottish lad coming through who has earned his chance and is looking the business.”

Marcelo Bielsa definitely seems to be in the market for young wingers like Hastie having tried and failed to sign Swansea’s Daniel James in the January transfer window.

Hastie is not as proven as James in England, who has been a regular for Swansea in the Championship and is already a senior Wales international, but the Scottish teenager would more than likely be a lot cheaper due to his contract expiring at the end of the season.

The Motherwell ace is also in dazzling form, tearing apart defences in the Scottish Premiership with his fast, mazy runs before showcasing his deadly finishing in front of goal.

If Bielsa is going to sign one player in the summer then it has to be Hastie, unless Motherwell tie him down to a new contract.

However money talks and even though Leeds tend to avoid pushing the boat out when it comes to signing players, they would definitely be able to offer the Scot a lot more money and a gateway to Premier League football by moving for him once the season ends.

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