•  Leeds and Southampton are both interested in signing Northern Ireland’s Jack Hastings, a 17-year-old forward who has already scored 20 goals this season.
•  Crystal Palace and Wolves are also keeping tabs on Hastings, who has played for Northern Ireland’s U17 side.
•  Hastings’ lack of senior experience means he would initially join a youth academy, but his impressive goal tally suggests he has potential for senior football in the future.

Jack Hastings is a teenage star from Northern Ireland, and Southampton and

Leeds United are expected to battle for his services.

According to Football Insider, the Championship clubs are monitoring the

progress of the 17-year-old forward ahead of the January transfer window.

The youngster has already bagged 20 goals this season, having performed well at underage level for his club side Larne.

The striker is close to breaking into the first team squad, but has yet to receive regular game time at senior level.

However, he may not get the opportunity at Larne as there are four English clubs

currently circling with a view to a potential January move.

Stiff competition for Hastings

Leeds and Southampton are both eyeing a deal to sign the Northern Irishman,

who has also been capped at U17 on the international stage.

Scouts have been following his achievements for club and country, and

he has made three appearances for Northern Ireland’s U17 team.

The forward is being watched by more than just the Championship pair; Wolves

and Crystal Palace are also keeping an eye on him.

Iain Downes, the director of football at Larne, previously worked at Palace and

has brought Hasting’s talent to the attention of the London team.

They are not alone, though, in being aware of the youthful talent from Northern Ireland.

It is unclear what type of figure Larne will be seeking to part ways with the

child, or if any offers will be made in the forthcoming winter market.

Several English teams, including Stoke City and Leicester City, are also

interested in Hasting’s young teammate Dylan Sloan.

In a few weeks, the January window will open, allowing clubs to make mid-season

roster adjustments to their first teams through the end of the month.

Leeds United and Southampton league position