Luke Ayling will depart Leeds United this summer and sign permanently for Middlesbrough after being on loan there since January, according to The Telegraph.
Mike McGrath has reported (17 May) that the defender is set to become Michael Carrick’s first signing of the summer transfer window.
His contract at Elland Road expires in the summer and after deciding not to renew a return to the Riverside now looks likely.
Ayling had been subject to interest from Sheffield United but he has turned them down in favour of agreeing a contract with Boro.
Will Leeds United regret losing Luke Ayling?
There is no doubt that Ayling is a cult hero and will be well missed by everyone associated with the club for his character.
He played a big role under Marcelo Bielsa as the Whites were promoted to the Premier League and also featured as they were unfortunately relegated.
After eight years and 268 appearances with Leeds, the Englishman departed on loan to join Middlesbrough in January.
He went on to play 19 times under Carrick as his side missed out on the Play-Off places by four points.
After their 4-0 thrashing of Norwich City, Daniel Farke’s side are preparing for a day at Wembley where they could earn promotion to the Premier League.
It has to be said that while they are chasing top-division football, maybe Ayling would be slightly out of place.
If things went wrong and it was the Championship again next season, he could have certainly played a role at Elland Road.
