By Alan Hutton

22nd Oct, 2023 | 7:21am

Pundit shares Luke Ayling verdict after Leeds latest - 'why would you want him to leave?'

Handing Luke Ayling a contract extension is a “no brainer” for Leeds United.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former Tottenham and Aston Villa defender, who played against Ayling when Villa were in the Championship, can’t believe how long he has been at Elland Road.

The 32-year-old’s deal was extended back in February when the club triggered a clause in his contract, keeping him at the club until the summer of 2024.

Now, Leeds are reportedly set to offer Ayling a further one-year extension as manager Daniel Farke values the player’s ability and leadership highly.

Hutton wouldn’t be surprised to see the right-back put pen to paper on fresh terms.

“It seems like he has been there forever,” he told Football Insider.

“When I was playing and we were in the Championship, he was playing so it seems like he has been there for a very long time. He has been a great servant to the club.

“He is one of those guys where you know exactly what you are getting. He is a seven out of ten every single week so of course you would not want to lose him. In terms of keeping him at the club it is a no brainer.

“Somebody who has been there for so long, played a lot of games, why would you want him to leave? If his contract is running out and he is happy to stay it is easy.

“It was similar to my situation towards the end [at Villa] when I was signing one year deals because you love the club and are happy to stay where you are.“

In other news, Leeds United set for £20m+ payout 15 months after deal agreed.