Leeds United are battling Leicester City and Premier League side Burnley in the race for Sunderland defender Trai Hume – with doubts now emerging over the future of Luke Ayling at Elland Road.
Northern Ireland star Hume, 21, is approaching two years at Sunderland but is enjoying his best spell of football this season. Prior to this season, he played just 37 times in his initial 18 months at Sunderland.
But this season, he has made the right-back slot his own. Hume has been excellent on the right side of Tony Mowbray’s side. He has a deal at Sunderland until the summer of 2027, and an option until 2028.
Described as “exceptional” by Northern Ireland boss Michael O’Neill, Hume’s form is catching the eye of numerous clubs. Team Talk say that Leicester, Burnley and Leeds all want Sunderland’s £200k signing.
Leeds battling Leicester and Burnley for Sunderland’s Trai Hume
Leeds are not lacking in options on the right of defence. Luke Ayling, Djed Spence, Jamie Shackleton. Even with Sam Byram, who is currently out left-back, is right-footed. Stuart Dallas is an option when fit.
But, things could soon change. Four of those five options are all set to see their contracts expire next summer. Ayling has lost his place in the matchday squad and Shackleton is struggling to get game time.
Spence is now fit, but of course, is only on loan. Dallas is out of contract, as is Byram – but both surely have a chance of a new deal. While we have options currently – it is likely we may need replacements.
What makes him the ideal replacement for Ayling, is that Hume can play in the middle of the back four, too. He gives Leeds a potential long-term answer on the right, but more cover in the middle as well.
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