Exclusive: Leeds United negotiate new contract with Luke Ayling as fresh financial package emerges

Leeds United are negotiating a new contract with Luke Ayling with the right-back's current terms due to expire at the end of the season, MOT Leeds News has been told.

Ayling, 31, has worked his way back into Jesse Marsch's starting line-up since Christmas after struggling for game-time in the Premier League prior to the World Cup break.

Rasmus Kristensen's summer arrival from Red Bull Salzburg seemed to end Ayling's run as Leeds' starting right-back but after returning to fitness and due to Kristensen's hit-and-miss form, the ex-Bristol City ace has become a key player once again at Elland Road.

MOT Leeds News has been told by a source close to Thorp Arch that Leeds are looking at extending Ayling's contract until at least the end of next season.

The new terms that are being proposed by the club are financially similar to his current package.

No agreements have been reached as of yet and talks are ongoing between Leeds United and Ayling's representatives.

If Ayling does continue at Leeds past the end of this season, competition will be hot at right-back.

Kristensen, 25, is very much a Marsch signing while Cody Drameh will be back at Elland Road then after being sent out on a half-season loan to Luton Town in January.

Fabrizio Romano reported on 26 January that there's no option for Luton to make the deal for Drameh, 20, permanent because "Marsch wants him to be [a] part of [the] Leeds 23/24 squad".

Ayling has played 14 times in all competitions for Leeds this season, assisting two goals.

In other Leeds United news, visit our live transfer blog for around-the-clock updates straight from Elland Road.