Leeds United look set to be in for another busy summer of departures when the transfer window reopens.
The Whites have a number of players who are out of contract and will also have to deal with the six returning first teamers who left on loan almost 12 months ago.
In the wake of relegation from the Premier League, eight players opted to take up the loan clauses that became active in their contracts. Only Luis Sinisterra and Robin Koch have so far secured permanent exits.
Leeds are confident they will be able to sell Jack Harrison, Max Wober, Marc Roca and Diego Llorente, leaving potentially uncertain summers ahead for Rasmus Kristensen and Brenden Aaronson.
Sam Greenwood is another whose future will need clarifying after Middlesbrough opted against activating their £1.5 million option-to-buy.
In terms of those who are out of contract, there are a number of players who look as though they have played their final matches for the club. Ian Poveda, Luke Ayling, Lewis Bate and Cody Drameh all fall under that category.
Stuart Dallas, meanwhile, has already announced his retirement, while Liam Cooper is not expected to be offered a new deal. No decision has yet been made on Sam Byram or Jamie Shackleton.
Birmingham join race to sign Luke Ayling on a free from Leeds
There has already been plenty of interest in those who are out of contract next month, none more so than Poveda.
Poveda is wanted by Sheffield Wednesday after spending the second half of the season with the Owls, but will face competition from clubs abroad, as well as Burnley and Luton Town.
And according to the Northern Echo, there is a new side to add to the mix for the signature of Ayling, with League One side Birmingham City now interested.
As per the report, both Middlesbrough and Sheffield United are also keen on Ayling, who has just seen his loan spell at the former come to an end following the completion of the season.
Ayling has already admitted a permanent deal is ‘close’ to being agreed with Boro, but there has been nothing official since he said that almost two weeks ago.
Birmingham are viewed as having an outside shot in the race for Ayling having just been relegated, but under new owner Tom Wagner, there is certainly an interesting project commencing at St. Andrews.
Ayling would be daft to turn down Boro
Having lost form in his final months at Leeds after falling out of favour, Ayling rediscovered his best form while at Boro.
The 32-year-old became somewhat of an assist king during his time at the Riverside as he laid on eight goals in the final 11 matches of the season.
Boro is also in the ideal location where he does not have to relocate his family, which is also clearly a big thing for Ayling with two young children.
Interest is clearly high in his services heading into the summer but surely a permanent deal at Boro makes sense for him.
