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Leeds United ready new contract offer for Luke Ayling
Leeds United are prepared to offer a new contract to Luke Ayling, whose current deal is set to expire at the end of this season, according to TEAMtalk.
The online news outlet shared via their Twitter account on 16 October that the club are ready to offer a new deal to the player who has over 260 appearances for the club [Transfermarkt].
This news comes despite Ayling having been benched in favour of playing both Jamie Shackleton and Archie Gray outside of their natural positions at right-back.
This makes sense
Although Ayling has been dropped recently by Daniel Farke, he remains a stalwart in this Leeds United team, with his influence off the pitch seemingly a key reason for this decision.
The boss has spoken this season about the need for experience and leadership in the team, as they attempt to earn promotion from the Championship at the first time of asking, and with several young players in the squad who will benefit from his mentorship and experience.
Shackleton and Gray, who have appeared in place of Ayling this season, are ultimately playing out of position, as both prefer to be in central midfield. This suggests the right-back should reclaim his place in the side at some point in favour of playing the duo, particularly Gray, in his usual role.
Ayling, as reported by The Athletic on 16 October, is one of three experienced Leeds players whose deals are set to expire next summer, alongside Liam Cooper and Stuart Dallas. It now remains to be seen whether the other two will be handed contracts with their teammate.
In other Leeds United news, Daniel Farke is set to make the final call on contract decisions.