Harlequins emerge as favourites to sign Hastings

Harlequins are leading the race to sign Jackson Hastings from Wigan, according to The Rugby Paper.

The reigning Man of Steel was linked with a cross-code switch to Gloucester earlier this month but brushed off the rumours in an interview with Wigan Today.

However, Quins have become the latest rugby union side to declare an interest in the 24-year-old who is contracted to Wigan until the end of 2021.

St Helens legend Sean Long is the current assistant coach of the Gallagher Premiership outfit and deals with the attacking side of the game.

Reports suggest a significant fee would need to be paid to buy Hastings out of his current deal, having just signed for the Warriors from Super League rivals Salford.

Although an immediate deal does seem unlikely, the Great Britain international has kept his options open for the future with his previous comments about the 15-man code.

“If in a couple of years, when I’m off-contract, I want to have a crack at union, I’d look at it,” Hastings told Phil Wilkinson of the Wigan Observer.

“If they’re interested, I’d obviously listen, you’d never close the door on anyone.”

The latest rumours come days after the former Roosters and Manly half-back said he would be open to a return to the NRL, although he later clarified his comments.