Luke Ayling is closing in on a loan move to Middlesbrough until the summer – and in response, The Mirror’s Darren Witcoop says Leeds we will now step up interest in two Premier League defenders.
Ayling, 32, is set to join Middlesbrough on loan this month – basically ending his Leeds stint. The Athletic reported the news on Wednesday morning, with Ayling leaving after seven and a half years in Yorkshire.
The former Bristol City, Yeovil and Arsenal man will be the second senior Leeds defender to leave this month – with Leeds already needing defenders beforehand. Djed Spence has gone back to Tottenham.
Leeds are well-stocked in the middle as things stand, but both left-back options are injury prone. Two right-back options have gone. Leeds really need to enter the market and bring in numerous players.
Daniel Farke said he needed a left-back before the start of the window. But with Ayling gone, Archie Gray is our best option on the right – and he is a midfielder. Other defenders could still leave Leeds.
Leeds will step up interest in two Premier League defenders
Stoke want Liam Cooper, Charlie Cresswell has interest from Rangers, Ipswich, Sunderland and Boro. So, Leeds need to start thinking about incomings. Mirror reporter Witcoop says Leeds are eyeing two.
Two Wales defenders in the form of Burnley’s Connor Roberts, a right-back – and, centre-back Chris Mepham, who is struggling for game time at Bournemouth. Roberts is said to be keen on a move.
Both have been linked with Leeds and Witcoop now says Leeds are stepping up interest in the two Wales stars – which would take our tally of Wales players to a grand total of five. Loans seem likely.
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