‘Exceptional’ player could make his final Leeds United appearance tomorrow after reports he could leave

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Daniel Farke does not want to lose anyone from his Leeds United squad this month but that has not stopped players from being linked with a move.

Both Charlie Cresswell and Joe Gelhardt are among those who have been attracting the most interest, with several Championship clubs circling for either a loan or permanent deal.

And while Farke has made it clear he doesn’t want anyone to go, his stance regarding Cresswell appeared to soften somewhat, suggesting that if his desire to go, then he could.

Given their age and potential, it is perhaps not much of a shock that Gelhardt and Cresswell are wanted elsewhere, but a more surprise link appeared this week, with Middlesbrough chasing Luke Ayling.

Ayling is out of contract in the summer and has not played since November, but made it clear after relegation that he is desperate to help Leeds get back to the Premier League in front of supporters.

Ayling could be set for final Leeds appearance

With all that said, however, every player’s wish is to play regularly, and Ayling is not doing that. Even before his recent injury, the 32-year-old had been left out of numerous matchday squads.

Ayling looks set to make his return to the squad for tomorrow’s clash with Peterborough United in the FA Cup, and following the termination of Djed Spence’s loan, he could well be needed from the start.

If Leeds have the depth, then this weekend represents the perfect time to give Archie Gray a rest, with the 17-year-old having been first choice right-back since October.

Both Ayling and Jamie Shackleton made their return to training this week and given their lack of league opportunities, they will be eager to get a start here.

With Leeds set to be in the market for Spence’s replacement, minutes are still likely to be somewhat of an issue in the second half of the season, and so the ‘exceptional’ Ayling has a decision to make on his future.

According to Phil Hay, Ayling is unlikely to be offered a new deal with his current one set to expire in the summer. A move to Boro could protect his long-term future.

With all that in mind, there is a chance that tomorrow could well be his final appearance in a Leeds shirt.