Leeds, Whites, Premier League, Luke Ayling
Leeds United are reportedly ‘confident’ of agreeing a new deal for right-back Luke Ayling following his memorable winning goal against Wolves.
The Lowdown: Ayling scores famous winner
The Whites picked up a crucial 3-2 victory at Molineux on Friday night, coming from 2-0 down at half-time to complete the unlikeliest of comebacks.
On an unforgettable night, Ayling proved to be Leeds’ hero, firing past Jose Sa in stoppage time before producing an almost comical Robbie Keane-like celebration.
It was a moment which summed up the 30-year-old’s influence at Elland Road, and a big update has now emerged regarding his future at the club.
The Latest: New deal incoming for Ayling?
According to Football Insider, a Thorp Arch source has claimed that Leeds are increasingly ‘confident’ of extending Ayling’s stay by at least another 12 months.
The defender’s current deal expires at the end of next season, at which point he would be able to leave on a free transfer.
The Verdict: Keep him around
It makes complete sense to keep Ayling at Leeds beyond 2023, with his influence in and around the dressing room arguably irreplaceable.
Like former Leeds midfielder James Milner at Liverpool, having an experienced head around the squad can be priceless, and at 30, the Whites defender should hopefully still have several years left in him at the top level.
It could be that Ayling is eventually usurped by a younger right-back, but as long as he is happy being a squad player at Elland Road further down the line, it would be good to see him at the club for years to come.
In other news, one Leeds player has made a big hint regarding his future. Find out who it is here.
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