Leeds United are ready to submit an offer for Northern Irish striking sensation Jack Hastings, sources have told Football Insider.

As revealed by Football Insider earlier this month (19 December), the Whites, alongside Crystal Palace, Wolves and Southampton, have been chasing the 17-year-old.

However, sources have now told Football Insider that the Elland Road outfit are preparing to step up their formal efforts to secure his signature.

Hastings has caught the attention of the Premier League and Championship sides with scouts from these clubs making regular checks on his progress amid their interest.

The 2006-born youngster is on the fringes of first-team action at Northern Ireland top-flight club Larne having regularly trained with their senior players.

Larne are aware of the vast interest in Hastings and are preparing for offers.

The forward has impressed with quality performances at the under-18 and under-20 levels and can play as both a loan striker and as part of a duo.

He has represented his nation at the under-17 level and made three appearances during their European Championship qualification fixtures in March.

Sources also told Football Insider (26 December) that Daniel Farke’s side are set to lose one of their most promising young talents in Finley Gorman, who will make a record-breaking move to Premier League champions Man City.

After their 2-1 Boxing Day defeat against Preston North End, Leeds slipped to fourth in the Championship table and are eight points adrift of the automatic promotion spots.

In other news, Sources: big update on Leeds agreeing £10m deal.