Leeds United’s fringe players are beginning to attract interest from elsewhere with the January window now open.
Daniel Farke’s squad currently has a number of players on the periphery who are struggling for minutes, and even in some matches, even a place on the bench.
Charlie Cresswell and Joe Gelhardt are among those on the list on several Championship clubs, but there is now a shock name who is attracting interest from Middlesbrough.
According to Sky Sports News, Boro are now interested in a deal for Luke Ayling amid his lack of game time at Elland Road this season, and Leeds’ strength in depth at right-back.
Ayling is out of contract at Leeds in the summer and as per Phil Hay, at this stage it is unlikely he will be offered a new one, with Liam Cooper and Stuart Dallas in similar situations.
Ayling attracting interest from Boro
The 32-year-old has made 14 appearances for Leeds so far this season, but has not played a single minute since coming off the bench in the 1-0 win at Leicester City in November.
Having started the season as first choice, Ayling now finds himself a long way down the pecking order under Farke, despite the Leeds boss’ frequent praise for his dressing room impact.
Djed Spence is now fit again and playing regularly after a knee injury in September kept him out for over two months, while Archie Gray is now also firmly ahead of him.
Jamie Shackleton, who has struggled with injuries over the last few weeks, has also been selected ahead of him on numerous occasions over the course of the campaign.
Ayling made it clear after relegation that he wanted to help Leeds secure an immediate return to the Premier League in front of supporters, but the offer of regular football amid his current contract situation could be tempting.
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