Luke Ayling could quickly be last man standing at Leeds United after Rasmus Kristensen transfer news
Rasmus Kristensen looks to be edging towards a Leeds United exit this summer, with his departure likely to have a dramatic effect on the makeup of the club’s first-team ranks next season.
The Whites are set for more talks with Roma this week after the defender agreed on terms for an initial loan then possible £8.5million move to Serie A, according to Tutto Mercato Web.
After just one season at the club, Kristensen looked likely to remain at Elland Road following Premier League relegation, however, the Europa League finalists have stepped up their efforts to take him to the Italian capital this summer.
One player on who this could have a profound effect is Leeds United veteran Luke Ayling and the role he plays in the Championship next season.
With fellow right-back Cody Drameh reportedly keen to leave West Yorkshire this summer [Daily Mail, 29 April] and Luton Town wanting to make his loan move permanent, Ayling could be the last man standing before he knows it.
It would be a foolish move for the Whites to let both Kristensen and Drameh leave in the same window, but nothing would come as a surprise when considering the way the club has been run over the past two years.
Although Ayling was possibly the most disappointing player out of the three last season, delivering a string of mistake-heavy performances in the relegation run-in, he was still offered a one-year contract extension at Elland Road in February.
Back down in the Championship, the 31-year-old could well rediscover the vintage form that made him a fan favourite during the reign of Marcelo Bielsa, especially if given regular game time by the new manager.
However, at this rate, Leeds might have no choice but to bite the bullet and trust that Ayling’s experience comes to the fore as the club look to bounce straight back up to the Premier League.
At this rate, there will be no other options to call upon in the right-back berth.
In other Leeds United news, a club has failed to trigger the exit clause of one player who could leave this summer.