Leeds United have recently finalised a move for Bristol City defender Luke Ayling.
Bristol City’s Luke Ayling and Walsall’s Jordy Hiwula in action
Leeds United have been linked with the signing of Luke Ayling from Bristol City. It was reported by the Yorkshire Evening Post that Leeds were all set to sign the player on a three-year deal – with a £750,000 transfer fee being mooted for the versatile defender.
His deal has now gone through, so could he play against Birmingham City on Saturday?
Luke Ayling of Bristol City (L) in action with Albert Adomah of Middlesbrough
Leeds manager Garry Monk is always reluctant to discuss specifics about transfers and would not mention Ayling directly but he did discuss the possibility of a new signing playing this weekend with BBC Radio Leeds earlier.
The Leeds boss stated: “You judge each game on its merit and each player on his merit.
“I always judge the players right up to the last minute and give them an opportunity to be available and play and that’ll be the case throughout the season for every single game. Whatever the situation is you assess it on the merit.
Luke Ayling of Bristol City (R) in action with Paul Gallagher of Preston North End
“Whatever those situations may be I am sure you will see in the coming days.”
Those comments would certainly suggest that Ayling could indeed be in line for an immediate debut now that Leeds have managed to push a deal over the line before this afternoon.
Leeds United manager Garry Monk
Ayling, who can play in a number of defensive positions, will now provide cover for the club’s current options at the back, which are limited.
Leeds lost their opening game of the Championship season 3-0 to OPR and Ayling, who played 36 times for Bristol City in the 2015-16 campaign, will hopefully add depth and strength to the Yorkshire club’s back-line.
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