Australian climber Jack Haig will join Bahrain McLaren in 2021, it has been announced. According to sources, several teams, including Team Ineos and Movistar, had expressed interest in the Mitchelton Scott rider, but Bahrain McLaren has rejected the interest and will sign him. Ineos has denied any approach.

The 26-year-old is expected to be announced as a Bahrain McLaren rider within the next week.

Hague has risen through the ranks since joining Mitchelton-Scott (then Orica Bike Exchange) in 2016, becoming one of the team's most reliable climbers. Since joining the WorldTour, he has ridden five Grand Tours and helped Simon Yates win the Maria Rosa at this year's Giro d'Italia.

Bahrain McLaren has declined to comment on the move, but according to Cyclingnews, the team sees Hague as an important piece of the jigsaw for its Tour de France challenge. The team signed Mikel Landa for the start of the 2020 season and is trying to give the Spaniard at least one GC shot at the Tour before evaluating the Grand Tour leader.

The team also considered acquiring Chris Froome, but no final offer was made, and the four-time Tour-winning Briton eventually signed with the emerging Israeli nation next year.

Bahrain McLaren has already seen Ivan Cortina move to Movistar for a new challenge. However, the signing of Hague is a bit of a coup for Bahrain McLaren's management team.

The team is looking for a second sponsor for 2021, and McLaren will likely step down from its role. Dylan Theuns recently re-signed a new contract.

There was some interest in Bob Jungels, but the Luxembourg rider has moved to AG2R La Mondiale and is preparing for life without Romain Bardet.

The team would not comment on the news surrounding Hague, but general manager Rod Ellingworth said: "We are very happy to re-sign Dylan. As for Cortina, I think he just wanted another opportunity. I understand why Movistar is pursuing him. He is good friends with a lot of riders. He is an up and coming Spanish talent. Unfortunately for us, he is moving on with our blessing. Good luck to him."