Leeds United: Michael Carrick responds when asked about permanent Middlesbrough deal for Luke Ayling
Middlesbrough manager Michael Carrick isn’t rushing into a decision on whether to sign Luke Ayling on a permanent basis when his Leeds United contract expires in the summer.
Ayling, 32, joined Boro on loan in the January transfer window but he’s already played his final game as a Leeds player with the decision made that he won’t be signing a contract extension at Elland Road.
The right-back has been in superb form for Boro lately, assisting three goals in his last three games, including one to set up Riley McGree’s winner against Birmingham on Wednesday night (13 March).
After the game, Carrick was asked about Ayling’s future but he’s not totally decided yet on whether a full-time contract is in the offing.
As quoted by the Teesside Gazette on 14 March, Carrick said: “You’re always playing for something and as it stands at the moment that’s obviously what’s next. Looking at him, that’s not at the forefront of his mind at all. He’s all in, he’s desperate to do well and win games for us. We’ll see. That will play out how it’s going to play out over the next few months.
Will Middlesbrough sign Luke Ayling permanently from Leeds United?
One thing is for sure – Ayling is leaving Leeds.
After joining Middlesbrough on loan, the right-back sent out an emotional goodbye to Leeds fans so there’s no way that there’s any hope of a new deal for him at Elland Road.
Understandably, he wasn’t getting much game time under Daniel Farke and at The Riverside Stadium, he’s become a key part of Carrick’s squad so the loan move makes sense.
As for the next steps, it does make sense for Boro to sign Ayling permanently because he’s contributed directly to three goals in each of his last three Championship appearances, with Carrick’s men winning them all.
As he’ll be available on a free transfer and Middlesbrough are likely to still be in the Championship next term – plus the fact Anfernee Dijksteel is set to enter the final year of his deal on Teesside – it all makes sense.
Everyone at Leeds is wishing Ayling well and hopes he’s able to be a success wherever he ends up next.
In other Leeds United news, this Leeds sensation has been ruled out of training with a new injury.
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