Daniel Farke decision a surprise as Djed Spence nears Leeds return, and Archie Gray impressing

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Daniel Farke has reportedly made the decision to hand Luke Ayling a new contract at Leeds United, which could materialise come January – but Djed Spence nearing a return makes that move a surprise.

Ayling, 32, is still seen as one of the leaders in this side. One of the biggest personalities and voices in the dressing room. He obviously still has a part to play in this Leeds side, if he is not always starting.

Of course, the ex-Arsenal and Bristol City man is in the final year of his contract at Elland Road – more than seven years after joining the club. TeamTalk report a decision has been made on the future of him.

They say that Farke is going to offer him a new contract, to extend his stay at Elland Road by a further year. Taking him until June 2025. But surely, that is a bit of a surprise given the options Leeds have.

Farke makes Ayling decision and it is a bit of a surprising one

Archie Gray starred on the right of defence against Bristol City. With Junior Firpo and Stuart Dallas closing in on a return on the left of the back line, Byram becomes an option at right-back for Leeds.

Jamie Shackleton remains. Most-important of all, 23-year-old Spence is closing in on a return. Leeds Live say Spence is pinpointed for a return on November 11 – which was seen as a ‘conservative’ date.

So, Leeds have Spence, Gray, Shackleton and Byram as options on the right of the defence. Ayling has started just one of our last four league games. With Spence coming into the mix, game time is reducing.

It seems then, that Ayling is only going to be warming the bench more often over the next few months. Why then, offer him a deal? A player that Farke spoke about recently, saying he “loves” his mentality.