official New; Sheffield United set in verbal agrees deal with ..

official New; Sheffield United set in verbal agrees deal with ..

Birmingham City and Sheffield United will battle it out to secure the signing of Leeds United man Luke Ayling this summer, according to reports

 

Birmingham City have joined Sheffield United in the race to sign Leeds United defender Luke Ayling this summer, according to reports.

Ayling, 32, was signed by Leeds from Bristol City in 2016 and has since gone on to make over 200 appearances for the Whites – across the Championship, domestic cups and Premier League.

The versatile defender was loaned out to Middlesbrough back in January after falling out of favour for Daniel Farke and has started 18 games for Michael Carrick’s side. Ayling has registered six assists in the second tier of English football since arriving at the Riverside Stadium and has now sparked the interest of several Championship clubs ahead of the summer window.

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His current deal at Elland Road is set to expire this summer and there is a growing list of suitors ready to sign him on a free transfer. According to The Sun, both Birmingham City and Sheffield United are eyeing a potential move for the experienced defender.

Relegation from the Premier League for Chris Wilder’s side was confirmed following the 5-1 defeat to Newcastle United on Saturday. The Blades are now making plans for their return to the Championship in the 2024/25 season and see Ayling as someone who can help fire them back to the top flight.