Luke Ayling left Leeds United for Middlesbrough

Chris Wilder wants to sign Luke Ayling at Sheffield United after Leeds United exit

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Published on:

21 Apr 2024, 3:39 am

Sheffield United want to sign Luke Ayling in the summer transfer window after his Leeds United contract runs out, according to The Sun.

The full-back has spent the second half of this season on loan with Middlesbrough and now a permanent move away looks likely.

The 32-year-old's contract at Elland Road expires this summer which has now seen interest in his signature arise.

Alan Nixon reported on Sunday (21 April) that Premier League bottom side Sheffield United are looking at a free transfer for Ayling.

He said: "Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder wants to sign Luke Ayling as he builds a new squad to bounce back next season.

"Ayling, 32, is a free agent in the summer after a short stay at Middlesbrough. The ex-Leeds defender can play right-back or centre-half and is the kind of solid player that Wilder wants."

Should Leeds United sell Luke Ayling?

There is no doubt that Ayling has been a great servant to the Whites since joining the club in August 2016 from Bristol City.

In that time he has registered 268 appearances and has gone on to score 11 goals [FotMob] in eight years across the Premier League and Championship.

Despite making 16 appearances for Daniel Farke's side this season, the Englishman made the move to Boro in the January window.

He has since made 17 appearances as Michael Carrick's side chase down a play-off place.

Ayling's future at Elland Road rests on the promotion race and the situation Leeds find themselves in come the summer.

Luke Ayling playing for Leeds United

If they unfortunately remain in the Championship then there is no doubt that the full back could play a useful role in the squad.

On the flip side, if Farke's men achieve promotion there won't be a place for him in the squad and a Championship move could make sense.

In other Leeds United news, Leicester battling it out to sign new midfielder from Premier League outfit.

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