Birmingham City ready move to sign Luke Ayling as Leeds United exit twist emerges
Birmingham City are set to battle Sheffield United to try and sign Luke Ayling from Leeds United in the summer, according to The Sun.
The full-back has spent the second half of the season with Middlesbrough after departing on loan from Elland Road in January.
With the 32-year-old’s Elland Road contract set to expire, there is plenty of interest in his signature on a free transfer this summer.
Alan Nixon reported on Sunday (28 April) that Championship strugglers, Birmingham City are looking at signing Ayling.
He said: “Birmingham are ready to fight Blades for Leeds’ Luke Ayling at the end of the season.
“The American-backed club will be serious contenders if they can avoid the drop. Prolonging his career at St Andrew’s with Brum is a very real option.”
Should Leeds United keep Luke Ayling?
Since joining the Whites in August 2016 from Bristol City, the Englishman has seen it all and been a great member of the squad.
In his time at Elland Road he has played in 268 games and score 11 goals in both the Premier League and Championship.
He made the move up to Boro in the January transfer window despite having played 16 times for Leeds this season.
He has gone on to make 18 appearances under Michael Carrick which has seen Boro miss out on a playoff spot in the Championship.
After the 4-0 loss to QPR, Leeds’ future is in the balance with regards to whether or not they get promoted to the Premier League this season.
However, one thing that is for certain at Leeds is that Ayling is leaving Elland Road for good in the summer once his contract expires.
He may have had the quality to be a useful squad option in West Yorkshire but there seems to be very little chance that he would do a U-turn now and a move to either St Andrew’s or Bramall Lane is looking to be on the cards.
It remains to be seen if Middlesbrough, however, will make a bid to turn their loan deal into a permanent one.
In other Leeds United news, an inquest was held at Thorp Arch after the QPR defeat.
For more Leeds news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.