Leeds United may sign Connor Roberts from Burnley as Luke Ayling exit news emerges at Elland Road

Leeds United are eyeing Burnley right-back Connor Roberts with Luke Ayling on his way to Middlesbrough, according to Darren Witcoop.

The Sunday Mirror Sports News Editor reported via X [5 January] that Ayling could be replaced with a move for Welshman Roberts from Vincent Kompany's Burnley side as Leeds look to replace Djed Spence after his season-long loan from Tottenham was terminated.

The Whites were the ones to cut Spence's season-long loan short by six months, and a plan for who they wanted to bring into the squad to replace him appears to have emerged.

Like for like change

Roberts is a seasoned veteran when it comes to Premier League and Championship experience. However, he by no means will make up for the loss in experience if Ayling were to join Middlesbrough.

Ayling has been a part of every high and low at Elland Road since joining Leeds in 2016 but form and fitness issues have contributed to the 32-year-old playing a much-reduced role under Daniel Farke this season.

Roberts, however, represents a younger option at a problem full-back area, while he is capable of playing the free-flowing attacking football envisaged by Farke. He made 152 appearances for Swansea City before joining the Clarets in 2021 and has played 14 matches short of a century of games for the club.

His talent has also been on show for the whole world to see when Wales reached the World Cup in 2022, adding more caps to his now-53 international matches for his nation. He has 20 senior career goals across these three teams, which could be a valued aspect of his game that Farke admires.

There will need to be a serious conversation about the departure of club hero Ayling, who could leave Elland Road after eight years serving for Leeds.

In other Leeds United news, Patrick Bamford has shared how his teammates at Elland Road reacted to a “ludicrous” new change.