Luke Ayling could miss the rest of the Championship season for Leeds United, but could Serie A ace Aleandro Rosi replace him at Elland Road?
Luke Ayling may not have been the same impenetrable force as he was for Leeds United last season, but the news that the right-back will miss the rest of the campaign with injury still comes as a huge blow.
Ayling had started every Championship game for Leeds since signing for Bristol City in the summer of 2016, until suffering a serious ankle injury in the stalemate against Nottingham Forest on New Year’s Day.
And the club’s official Twitter account stated that the 26-year-old is likely to be out for the remainder of 2017/18 after undergoing surgery.
If there is an upside to this news, it is that we are in the midst of a transfer window so Leeds have the chance to immediately sign a replacement. Which could lead to renewed speculation surrounding an approach for Genoa’s Aleandro Rosi.
Tuttomercatoweb reported in December that the swashbuckling 30-year-old, who is known for his forays down the flank, was on the radar of Leeds. His contract at Genoa expires at the end of the season so the Serie A side, who Rosi has started for regularly this season, may be tempted to cash in.
It is understood that Brighton are also interested in the attack-minded Italian. Chris Hughton’s side have regularly fielded the veteran Bruno Saltor at right-back, but it is a tough ask hoping he will play every game at the age of 37. Ezequiel Schelotto, who has stepped in over recent weeks, is yet to fully convince.
But with Lewie Coyle spending the season on loan at Fleetwood Town in League One, there are a lack of options within Leeds’ squad to replace the stricken Ayling.
So Rosi might come into consideration now.
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