Danny Murphy and Simon Jordan react to Luke Ayling transfer news from Leeds United live on talkSPORT
Daniel Farke has been outspoken in his praise of the Elland Road mainstay, saying that the team’s success this season was largely due to his impact in the locker room and his standing as a club legend. However, he will now bring similar qualities to his new team.
While many would have preferred that Ayling had stayed until the conclusion of the season and left when his contract expired rather than permitting a loan move to a direct promotion opponent, it felt like a natural time for the 32-year-old to move on.
In additional developments:
Leeds are about to push to sign two Premier League defenders with Luke Ayling set to leave
As Luke Ayling approaches his summer loan move to Middlesbrough, Leeds will now intensify its pursuit of two Premier League defenders, according to Darren Witcoop of The Mirror.
This month, Ayling, 32, will go on loan to Middlesbrough, effectively ending his time at Leeds.After spending seven and a half years in Yorkshire, Ayling is departing, according to news reported by The Athletic on Wednesday morning.
Leeds had needed defenders before, so the former player for Bristol City, Yeovil, and Arsenal will be the second senior defender to depart this month. Tottenham is now home to Djed Spence.
Leeds now have a lot of choices in the middle of the pitch, but both left-back possibilities are prone to injury. It’s down to two right-back possibilities. Leeds must seriously enter the market and entice several players.
Before the window opened, Daniel Farke declared that he needed a left-back. Archie Grey, a midfielder, is our best option on the right now that Ayling is gone. Leeds may still lose more defenders.
Leeds will step up interest in two Premier League defenders
Liam Cooper is desired by Stoke, while Charlie Cresswell is being pursued by Rangers, Ipswich, Sunderland, and Boro. Leeds must therefore begin considering incomings.Witcoop, a Mirror reporter, claims Leeds is considering two.
Two Wales defenders, Chris Mepham, a center-back who is fighting for playing time at Bournemouth, and Connor Roberts, a right-back for Burnley.Roberts is reportedly eager to relocate.
Both have been connected to Leeds, and according to Witcoop, Leeds is now showing more interest in the two talented players from Wales, bringing our total of Wales players to five. Loans appear probable.
