Leeds United defender Luke Ayling will leave Elland Road in the January transfer window, and the club is preparing plans to replace the long-serving defender.
According to journalist Darren Witcoop, the Whites will “step up their hunt” to sign replacements for the full-back who is close to joining Middlesbrough.
The Sunday Mirror journalist claims that Burnley full-back Connor Roberts is a target while Bournemouth’s Chris Mepham is also being considered.
The Athletic reported on Wednesday that Ayling is set to end a seven-and-a-half-year stay at Elland Road by moving to Boro on loan for the rest of the season.
Ayling has agreed to join Middlesbrough for the rest of the season and with that he will complete his contract at Elland Road as well.
“With Luke Ayling heading to Middlesbrough, Leeds will step up the hunt for reinforcements. Burnley full-back Connor Roberts a target while Bournemouth’s Chris Mepham also mentioned. With Joe Rodon, Leeds could potentially have 3 Wales international defenders playing,” wrote Witcoop on X.
Roberts will be a good addition
The Wales international will be a good addition to the side. The right-back has loads of experience playing in both the Championship and the Premier League, and he won’t face any problem in adapting quickly.
The 28-year-old made over 150 appearances for Swansea and has been a regular player for Burnley as well. Last season, he made 50 appearances in the Championship.
This season he has made eight starts in the Premier League this season, and has one assist to his name. The best part of his game is that he is versatile. He is primarily a right-back but can also play as a left-back if needed.
He can also play in midfield which means Daniel Farke can use him in multiple positions if needed. He has a contract at Turf Moor until 2025, and it remains to be seen if Leeds make a formal approach for him in the coming days.
