Phil Hay details how Leeds star thought he was Celtic-bound before Elland Road move
Leeds United defender Luke Ayling has been one of the standout players this season at Elland Road.
From his thunderbolt against Huddersfield to his emotional post-match interview after the defeat at Nottingham Forest – Ayling has done it all.
The 28-year-old had tasted success at Yeovil and Bristol City, but nothing like what he could have at Leeds if promotion is secured to the Premier League this season.
It could have been much different though, with Ayling being somewhat forced out of Ashton Gate by Lee Johnson before his move to West Yorkshire.
Ayling has shared to the Athletic’s Phil Hay that he almost joined Scottish giants Celtic before Leeds came in for his services.
Terms have been described as good as done at Parkhead, but they died after the Hoops sealed a move for Scott Sinclair from Aston Villa.
Leeds then approached Ayling, and with his good friend Kyle Bartley already at the club, the rest is history.
We can all count our lucky stars that Ayling made the move to Elland Road, and we can all agree that Leeds managed to pull off a bargain move for the right-back.
For £200,000 Leeds managed to secure a right-back that has cemented his spot in the team ever since he arrived, and we expect him to continue that even in the Premier League.
Ayling has the best average rating in the entire squad according to WhoScored. The 28-year-old is rated at 7.31, which is above the chasing pack of Kalvin Phillips and Ben White – two players being watched by Gareth Southgate and England [Independent].
A number of outsiders will be voting for Ayling as the Player of the Year award at Elland Road, with former defender Mel Sterland labelling his season as “magnificent”.
In other Leeds United news, the referee has been confirmed for this weekend’s clash with Cardiff and the Whites have history with him