Exclusive: Approach for Leeds-26-year-old from Midlands club rejected

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Published on:

10 Aug 2018, 6:47 am

EXCLUSIVE By Pete O'Rourke

Leeds United rejected an approach from West Bromwich Albion on deadline day for Luke Ayling and made it clear to their rivals the player is not for sale, Football Insider sources understands.

West Brom have been scouring the transfer market all summer for a new right-back and they turned their attentions to Ayling after failing to land Rangers captain James Tavernier.

However, West Brom's overtures were met with a firm rebuffal by Leeds with the club having no intention of offloading the defender before the close of the loan transfer window on 31 August.

Ayling has established himself as a big fans' favourite for Leeds since joining the club from Bristol City in the summer of 2016, making 75 appearances so far for the Whites.

The former Arsenal trainee only signed a new deal at Leeds last October to keep him at the club until 2021 and Leeds have no intention of listening to any offers for the full-back this month, or in January.

The 26-year-old impressed in Marcelo Bielsa's first game in charge against Stoke last week and the attacking full-back is understood to be a key man in Bielsa's plans going forward at Elland Road

In other Leeds United news, the club WILL now sign a Premier League big name after he snubbed offers from two of their rivals.

West Bromwich Albion

Leeds United

Luke Ayling