Luke Ayling’s long-term future at Elland Road is in doubt. The Leeds United stalwart is now fourth choice in his favoured position at right-back – and new interest in Trai Hume could force him to go.
Ayling, 32, has not been a part of the matchday squad for the last two Championship fixtures. Incredible, given Ayling has been such a regular over the last seven years – since joining the Whites back in 2016.
Now, Archie Gray is first choice. Djed Spence is fit again and is pushing the teenager to start on the right of defence. Jamie Shackleton has been picked ahead of Ayling on the bench in the last two matches.
Ayling’s contract expires in the summer, and it looks and feels as if his time at Elland Road is coming to an amicable end. He will know himself that it is perhaps time, that he needs to move on in his career.
Team Talk claim Leeds are showing interest in Sunderland star Trai Hume. Hume, 21, has been excellent for Sunderland – who are now without a manager. His teammate Dan Ballard branded him “brilliant”.
Leeds United signing Trai Hume could force Luke Ayling to leave
Tony Mowbray was sacked on Monday night. Hume also has interest from Leicester and Burnley ahead of the January window. Leeds are well-stocked at right-back, but that could of course soon change.
Ayling, Shackleton, Sam Byram and Stuart Dallas are all out of contract in June. Spence is only on loan. You would imagine that if Leeds are going to enter permanent talks with Spurs, it will be for Joe Rodon.
But the crucial element that could force Ayling out of the door in January, if Hume joins Leeds, is that Hume can play as a centre-back. He played there seven times for Sunderland last term, scoring twice.
Indeed, Hume scored while at centre-back in the play-off semi-finals last season. If Ayling has a chance of staying, it might be because he can play in the middle. Signing Hume replaces that need for Ayling.
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