Luke Ayling could be headed for Leeds United exit as Middlesbrough interested in January move
Luke Ayling’s lengthy association with Leeds United could be coming to an end with Middlesbrough interested in a January deal, according to Sky Sports News reporter Lyall Thomas.
The 32-year-old moved to Elland Road from Bristol City in August 2016 and has chalked up 267 appearances for the Whites since.
The experienced right-back has made 15 appearances in all competitions under Daniel Farke this season but the last of those was in November, with Archie Gray preferred at right-back, while Djed Spence – who has featured predominantly at left-back lately – is another option.
Sky reported Thomas’ update on their live transfer blog (3 January) that Boro are now interested in taking Ayling to the Riverside Stadium.
“Middlesbrough are interested in signing Leeds defender Luke Ayling,” the report read.
“Boro boss Michael Carrick is looking to bolster his defensive options with Ayling providing plenty of experience at right-back.
“The 32-year-old has featured 15 times in the Sky Bet Championship this season under Daniel Farke but has not played since November 3.”
Time to say goodbye
No one can doubt what an excellent servant Ayling has been to Leeds over the past seven and a half years and he achieved a dream of playing Premier League football after being a key player in Marcelo Biela’s promotion-winning side.
Sadly, though, football has little time for sentimentality and Ayling just clearly does not feature in Farke’s plans anymore. Teenager Gray has been the mainstay at right-back and, with Farke looking for another option on the left, Spence is also ahead of him in the pecking order.
Sam Byram when fit can also play on both sides at full-back, so opportunities for Ayling to get back into this side look extremely scarce over the next few months, where Leeds will be battling for promotion.
So, it all adds up to one thing and that is the fact Ayling will likely move on and a switch to Middlesbrough would make sense, they get an experienced player in their own bid to muscle into the playoff picture and Ayling gets some more regular minutes.
In other Leeds United news, negotiations are underway for a permanent Elland Road exit.