Celtic legend Scott Brown snaps up former Rangers star on free transfer

SCOTT BROWN has crossed the Old Firm divide to bring a former Rangers star to his team Ayr United.

The Celtic legend, 39, has been moving quickly in the transfer market this summer having already secured permanent deals for Scott McMann, Anton Dowds, George Oakley, Marco Rus and Ethan Walker.

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Elsewhere, he has also snapped Jay Henderson from St Mirren and Hearts‘ Harry Stone on loan.

But now he has sealed a deal for arguably the biggest transfer of the club’s window so far.

The manager has convinced ex-Light Blues ace Jake Hastie to join his revolution in Ayr, with the Honest Men confirming tonight that he has agreed a one-year deal with the side.

He came off the bench to face Brendan Rodgers’ Hoops as a trialist in Friday night’s friendly and has now made the move official as he joins on a free transfer after being released by Hartlepool at the end of last season.

A statement confirming the news on social media read: “The Club are delighted to announce the signing of winger, Jake Hastie on a 1-year deal, subject to international clearance.

“Jake was a free agent following his departure from Hartlepool at the end of last season.

“Welcome to the Honest Men, Jake!”

Hastie, 25, came through the youth ranks at Motherwell before being snapped up by Rangers in 2019.

Steven Gerrard signed him on a four-year deal after he impressed the manager while at Fir Park, where was nominated for the PFA Scotland Young Player of the Year, along with then team-mate and future Celtic midfielder David Turnbull.

Hastie was one of the Liverpool legend’s first signings at Ibrox and was tipped for big things, but he never made his breakthrough in the senior team.

Aged 20 at the time, the youngster went on to start in Rangers‘ Europa League qualifier against Gibraltar minnows St Joseph’s at Ibrox on July 18, helping the Gers to a 6-0 win.

But he went on to spend most of Light Blues career on various loans, spending time at former club Motherwell and also joining Partick Thistle and Linfield.

He moved on permanently in June 2022 to join Hartlepool United.

However, he was mainly used as a rotation player down south and ended up returning to Scottish football in January to sign for Hamilton on loan.

And the winger is back again – this time permanently – with Ayr United as his chosen destination.

Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page