A player that remains on Leeds United’s books has hinted he is about to complete a permanent exit away from the club and join a Championship rival for next season.
Leeds suffered defeat at Wembley to Southampton on Sunday afternoon and it means the Whites will be forced to remain in the Championship for another season, as Adam Armstrong scored the only goal.
A dismal loss, with plenty of Leeds players visibly dismayed at the defeat. The likes of Archie Gray, Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev were all seen shedding a few tears on the Wembley pitch after the 1-0 defeat.
In attendance, Luke Ayling had made his way down south to London to watch his parent club take on Southampton in the play-off final. Ayling has starred at Middlesbrough on loan since leaving in January.
He was asked before the game by TalkSPORT about his future and the defender, who is out of contract at Leeds on June 30, said there is going to be some news coming on Monday and hinted at an exit.
Luke Ayling hints at imminent Leeds United departure
It comes after reports stated that Ayling would be Michael Carrick’s first signing of the summer on a permanent basis, with Ayling rejecting the chance to join relegated Sheffield United under Chris Wilder.
Since joining Middlesbrough, 32-year-old Ayling has played 19 times for Carrick’s Middlesbrough and while remaining defensively solid, he has also laid on eight assists from right-back at his new club.
Ayling was asked about a permanent move and he said on Sunday, there would be news “tomorrow”: “I think there’s news coming pretty soon in the next few days but I had a great time at Middlesbrough.
“I loved playing for the gaffer, the boys in the dressing room were great. There’s news coming tomorrow and I think it will be good news,” Ayling said, amid reports he is set to sign with Middlesbrough.
Which Leeds players are expected to join Ayling in leaving Leeds?
There are plenty out of contract. Robin Koch has agreed a permanent move to Frankfurt, while decisions need to be made on Cody Drameh, Liam Cooper, Lew Bate, Jamie Shackleton, Ian Poveda and Sam Byram.
All are out of contract and as things stand, look set to leave on a free transfer. Jon Newsome named five players that could also leave, picking Crysencio Summerville and Willy Gnonto as the obvious two.
He then suggested Joe Rodon won’t be signing permanently, and that Ethan Ampadu and Dan James will attract interested. Newsome even thinks James could end up at Southampton at the end of the summer.