With the January transfer market being open, Leeds United, like most Championship clubs, will be thinking about ways to strengthen for the second half of the season.
The Whites are currently outsiders for the automatic promotion spots, behind second-placed Ipswich Town by seven points and sitting fourth in the table behind Southampton following a disappointing run during the festive period.
A number of names have already been linked with a move to Elland Road, but some players are expected to leave Daniel Farke‘s side during the January transfer window.
One name associated with a possible leave is experienced right-back Luke Ayling, with claims circulating that Middlesbrough are considering a January transfer for the 32-year-old [Sky Sports, 3 January].
Ayling has been little more than a bit part player for the German this season, after being highly featured in the first few weeks. His last start was in October, and he hasn’t made an appearance as a substitute since November.
Instead, Farke has started Archie Gray, Jamie Shackleton, or Djed Spence ahead of Ayling at right-back in recent months, with all three impressing in some way.
The 32-year-old’s status as fourth choice would imply that the Leeds United manager would have no problem allowing Ayling to leave Elland Road this summer, but Farke has frequently praised his impact off the pitch.
When Ayling was left out of the Whites’ matchday squad for their match against Swansea City, Farke gushed about him, calling him “second to none” as a “football character and team-mate character” [BBC Sport, 30 November].
While it is evident that he does not believe the veteran defender has what it takes to play in his side on a consistent basis, losing such a significant presence in the changing room may be a huge blow to Leeds‘ promotion bid.
Farke has worked extremely hard to build a dedicated and motivated team at Elland Road, and if the 49ers allow Ayling to leave, Farke may be unhappy to lose his vice-captain midway through the season.
He may not be a regular on the pitch, but his presence is noticed behind the scenes. Leeds might make the best decision by extending his contract until the end of the season while they strive for promotion.
Furthermore, Ayling’s early-season performances demonstrated that he can still perform at this level. Should an injury problem arise at Elland Road, he is more than capable of stepping up and filling in as needed.
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