Middlesbrough boss beams over Luke Ayling addition as Leeds United favourite dubbed 'terrific' signing

The highly-regarded United defender has effectively called time on his seven-and-a-half year stint at Elland Road by signing for the north-east club until the end of the 2023/24 campaign. Ayling's contract at Leeds expires this summer meaning he by the time his Boro loan comes to a conclusion, he will have kicked his last ball in a Whites shirt.

Leeds are hopeful the 32-year-old will return to Elland Road on January 21 for a send-off in front of home supporters, though, who doubtless will be keen to pay tribute to one of their favourite 2019/20 promotion heroes.

Boro boss Carrick has expressed his satisfaction at getting a deal for Ayling over the line as his side battle on two fronts. The Riverside Stadium played host to a 1-0 Carabao Cup semi-final first leg win over Chelsea earlier this week, while the club are still in with a chance of making the Championship play-offs come the end of the season, despite a difficult start.

"We're delighted to bring Luke to the club," Carrick said. "He is a player with good experience, he's a promotion winner, and he's played at the highest level.

"He's a terrific character as well and we see him as a great fit for what we have here. He's exactly what we're looking for at the club."

Ayling's move was confirmed on Wednesday evening following the completion of a medical at Middlesbrough's Rockliffe Hall training complex. He leaves Leeds having represented the club 268 times, skippering the side on more than 80 occasions.

Leeds thanked the long-serving full-back in a lengthy press release, part of which read: "Luke has been a tremendous servant and representative of Leeds United, he has written his name into the history books and is respected by all connected with the club.

"He will always be welcome at Elland Road and we wish him and his family all the very best for the future."