Leeds United man linked with Sheffield United ‘close’ to signing for Championship rivals

Sheffield United had been linked with 32-year-old Leeds United man as part of summer rebuild

After his Elland Road contract expires, Luke Ayling, a defender for Leeds United who was linked to Sheffield United this summer, has acknowledged he is “close” to joining Middlesbrough permanently. Until the conclusion of the season, the 32-year-old defender was on loan at Boro in January.

Despite Ayling playing 19 times for Michael Carrick’s club, they finished eighth in the Championship, four points outside of the play-offs. According to national newspaper sources, Chris Wilder reportedly put the versatile defender, who typically plays right back but can also cover at center half, under notice this summer. Birmingham City was also mentioned as a possible destination.

However, the defender’s tenure at Boro has given them control over his future. Following their victory over Watford on the final day, the defender told BBC Radio Tees: I believe that things are getting close, and I’m looking forward to what lies ahead. I’ve enjoyed being a part of it for the last four months, but I can’t say too much because it’s not finished yet. I have enjoyed every second of it.

Given that Greek rumors indicate George Baldock has signed to a three-year contract with Panathinaikos, United may be searching for a new right-sided defender in the summer. After the Blades are relegated back to the Championship, Anel Ahmedhodzic may be transferred, and Mason Holgate is on loan from Everton. Baldock, Jayden Bogle, and Chris Basham, a right-sided center-half, have contracts that expire in the summer.