Should Leeds attempt to replicate Luke Ayling deal with move for Bristol City full-back?

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Leeds United are likely to need a new left-back this summer with Charlie Taylor’s contract set to expire.

Charlie Taylor is on his way out of Leeds this summer

With Charlie Taylor’s contract expiring this summer, Leeds would probably be wise to target a new left-back during the coming months, no matter how much the supporters believe that cult-hero Gaetano Berardi can handle the role of being first-choice.

The Whites lack depth across much of the defence, including at left-back, with Tyler Denton arguably yet to show enough to suggest that he is ready to be the club’s first understudy.

So perhaps Leeds should look to try and repeat the success of one of the signings they made last summer by looking to Bristol City, the club from whom the Whites signed another full-back, Luke Ayling.

When Ayling arrived at Elland Road, there appeared to be little fanfare and many fans would have been forgiven for not expecting the 25-year-old to be one of the best acquisitions the club made.

Luke Ayling has enjoyed a brilliant debut season with Leeds

However, the defender’s consistency and quality were key reasons why the defensive unit was so strong and really helped Garry Monk’s men come so close to securing a play-off spot, and thus, Leeds may want to consider targeting one of his former teammates.

Joe Bryan has been excellent at left-back for the Robins, helping Lee Johnson’s men secure a fairly safe position in the bottom-half of the table, so he would surely be an excellent addition this summer as Leeds try to replace Taylor.

Bristol City’s Joe Bryan has been impressive this season

The 23-year-old appears to have the potential to play for one of the top clubs in the division, so Leeds would arguably be making a mistake not considering making a move for him, especially as he is also versatile enough to play further forward.

And if Bryan can enjoy anything like the season that Ayling has enjoyed since arriving at Leeds, then the Whites will undoubtedly be reflecting upon pulling off another brilliant piece of business.