Danny Murphy and Simon Jordan react to Luke Ayling transfer news from Leeds United live on talkSPORT
Danny Murphy and Simon Jordan reacted to the news that Luke Ayling looks set to leave Leeds United in favour of a loan move to Middlesbrough, as Murphy was shocked by the news.
David Ornstein reported via The Athletic on 10 January that Ayling is set to undergo a medical before completing a loan move until the end of the season.
The right-back will leave Elland Road after seven-and-a-half years at the club, with his contract set to expire at the end of the season and no progress over a new deal.
Speaking live on talkSPORT [10 January, 10:09], Jim White shared that Middlesbrough look set to sign Ayling, as Murphy simply replied “Wow,” and Jordan chimed in with “Good player.”
Shock news
While many had speculated about whether Ayling would leave at the end of the season due to his contract situation, a January move was not something many had expected before the window opened, and it clearly came as a surprise to Murphy and Jordan.
Ayling has started just eight Championship games for Leeds this season, coming on as a substitute six times often to round off a game, and a move to Middlesbrough will allow him to have more of a prominent role in the first team.
Daniel Farke has been very vocal in his admiration for the Elland Road stalwart, claiming his influence in the dressing room and status as a club legend were important parts of the club’s success this season, but he will now lend those attributes to his new club.
At 32 years old, it felt like a natural time for Ayling to move on, although many would rather he had stayed until the end of the season and departed upon the expiry of his deal rather than allowing a loan move to a direct promotion rival.
In other Leeds United news, a Championship club has made contact over a loan deal for another player.