Leeds United are closing on the signing of full-back Luke Ayling from Bristol City on a three-year deal according to reports from The Yorkshire Post. The 24-year-old would be a quality addition to Leeds United defence with his versatility. Predominantly a right-back, Ayling can easily slot in as an attacking wing-back or even as a central defender.
Ayling has already undergone his medical ahead of his move to Elland Road according to The Yorkshire Post and is all set to become Garry Monk’s eighth capture of the summer following the arrivals of Robert Green, Kyle Bartley, Matt Grimes, Kemar Roofe, Pablo Hernandez, Hadi Sacko and Marcus Antonsson.
Leeds United started their Premiership campaign with a humbling 3-0 defeat against Queens Park Rangers last weekend. It was a nightmare start for the Monk era at Elland Road and moreover, Leeds lost their first-choice right-back Gaetano Berardi to a hamstring injury to make things worse.
With the injury to Berardi, Leeds had to make reinforcements in defence and a deal for Ayling seems to be a good deal given the versatility the Englishman offers. Ayling started his career at Arsenal but began his professional career with Yeovil Town in 2010 after failing to make the grade at the Emirates.
The 24-year-old moved on to Bristol City in 2014 and has made almost 100 appearances for the club in the past two seasons scoring four goals in the process. He was part of the Robins squad which won the League One title in 2015.
Ayling will offer a much-needed breathing space to the manager Garry Monk with his immense versatility. Leeds needed to get a new right-back to compete with Berardi while they also lacked the fourth central defender after Bamba, Cooper and Bartley. So, the deal for Ayling makes perfect sense.
Ayling would be no stranger to Leeds United loanee Kyle Bartley whom he spent time with during their development at the academy of Arsenal. As Leeds closes in on their eighth signing of the summer, Twitter has reacted and most Leeds fans are quite happy with the deal. Here are some tweets on the deal.
Best compression I can give you for Luke Ayling would be Andy Hughes .. works hard, full blooded, will player where asked #lufc
— David Kershaw (@DavidKershaw7) August 11, 2016
Do we really want Luke Ayling? It’s a no from me I’m afraid.
— Charlie Wright (@charliewright24) August 11, 2016
Never mind this Bristol City defender, our defence has been ailing for years. #lufc #Ayling
— Grav Prosser (@GravProsser) August 11, 2016
Luke Ayling is what #lufc need! Raised at Arsenal can play at RB or CB. Very consistent performer, top signing! #mot
— Toby Bilton (@TobyBilton1) August 11, 2016
i am surprised Bristol are willing to sell Luke Ayling as looking at his stats he is the first choice RB, guess he will replace coyle #lufc
— David Kershaw (@DavidKershaw7) August 11, 2016
Would love to know Monks thinking behind this Ayling deal, got Coyle to play RB! Unless Berardi is out long term surely at LB we’re shorter!
— Luke Maloney (@Luke_Maloneyy) August 11, 2016
Luke Ayling looks solid tbf. And still pretty young. Could be a good signing tbh. #lufc
— Top Tipping (@TopTipping1) August 10, 2016
Luke Ayling has been so underrated for so long. A great defender, great ball control, very calm and composed. He loves the fans too
— Lükë (@ffsitsluke) August 10, 2016