Liam Cooper exit update emerges at Elland Road as Phil Hay shares Leeds United news

Liam Cooper is highly likely to follow Luke Ayling out the exit door at Leeds United with indications suggesting he will not be offered a new deal, according to Phil Hay.

The Athletic journalist reported on 15 January that Cooper is now expected to leave Elland Road, although not in the January transfer window, but when his deal expires in May.

This has come after a conscious decision was made by the club that those players who remain from the title-winning season under Marcelo Bielsa are now past their peaks.

The right decision from the club

As much as both Cooper and Ayling would have provided experience and know-how to what is a young Leeds squad under Daniel Farke, the conclusion that both are now past their prime years and need to be moved on will likely prove the right one for the club.

The expiration of both of their contracts in the summer has come as a welcome opportunity to let them go without the hassle of trying to bring in a fee for two players heading towards the twilight of their careers at Elland Road.

Their presence will no doubt be missed by all at the club, but for progress to be made it is often a key moment when connections with past times are cut, and both Cooper and Ayling remained as lasting reminders of what came before.

The focus at Elland Road remains on the future, both immediate and long-term, with their goal this season to achieve Premier League promotion under Farke's guidance, with a young squad being built to last and develop, unlike Bielsa's promotion heroes.

In other Leeds United news, a shocking new Luis Sinisterra update has emerged.