Sources: Leeds United star Luke Ayling could be offered new deal after U-turn
Leeds United full-back Luke Ayling could now sign a new contract at the club following a dramatic change of heart from the Yorkshire giants, sources have told Football Insider.
Those with knowledge of the 31-year-old’s situation have revealed that he looked “nailed on” to depart Elland Road after limited game time earlier this season in the wake of Rasmus Kristensen’s arrival.
But Ayling has won back his place in the side and is now increasingly likely to be offered an extension.
The Arsenal youth product is currently out of contract at the end of the season after his last renewal in 2019.
Ayling was ever-present in the Leeds side when fit last season but found himself out of favour in the first half of the 2022-23 campaign.
He made just one Premier League start under Jesse Marsch prior to the mid-season World Cup break, with Kristensen the preferred option at right-back.
But Marsch restored Ayling to the starting line-up and he has made six consecutive top-flight starts.
As such, summer signing Kristensen has been consigned to action in the FA Cup.
Ayling has proved a versatile option since joining Leeds from Bristol City in 2016.
The 31-year-old has primarily turned out at right-back but almost 20% of his 236 Whites outings have come at centre-back.
Leeds are on the hunt for a new boss after Marsch was sacked on Monday (6 February).
The Elland Road club had failed to record a Premier League win since the World Cup and sit just one point outside the relegation zone as a result.
The Whites face Man United for the second time in a matter of days at home on Sunday (12 February).
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