Mark Smith

Wed 10 January 2024 10:10, UK

Pete Graves has insisted that transfers are starting to “ramp up” in the January window with Leeds United defender Luke Ayling now set for the exit.

The Sky Sports journalist shared his verdict live on air [10 January] after “breaking news” of Ayling’s loan move to Middlesbrough was shared by a colleague.

Leeds have now decided that Ayling and Djed Spence can leave Elland Road, with the door now open for another right-back to arrive in West Yorkshire.

Speaking live on Sky Sports News after “breaking news” being shared on Ayling’s impending exit, Graves shared what he expects to happen next.

He said: “We’re seeing the transfers ramp up, aren’t we?

“What are we, a few days into the window now aren’t we and it’s going to get more and more busy as we get to the deadline.”

Ramp up.

Eyes have to be on incomings now at Elland Road, there are no excuses.

Ayling was not playing and although it is an emotional exit, it is one that will likely make sense to free up big wages and a space in the squad for Daniel Farke to utilise.

With Spence also gone, a new right-back is now imperative in this window with Connor Roberts of Burnley and Neco Williams at Nottingham Forest already mentioned.

Nick Hammond worked under the radar across the summer as the exits took centre stage, but he is now firmly in the spotlight and needs to pull a rabbit out of the hat.

There is absolutely no way that Leeds can not push for new signings after the news today and a loan signing is most likely given the spaces available.

With three loan spots open, it would be no surprise to see more than one new signing too, something we are all crossing our fingers for in the coming days.

Let’s hope the transfers start ramping up at Leeds.

In other Leeds United news, a Rangers update has emerged on Celtic target Joe Gelhardt.