By Danny Mills

7th Jun, 2022 | 1:44pm

Danny Mills issues verdict on Leeds United axing Luke Ayling after £9m development

It may take Rasmus Kristensen a whole season to displace Luke Ayling as the first choice right-back at Leeds United, according to Danny Mills.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Whites and England full-back praised the club for sorting out a succession plan for Ayling.

A Leeds source told Football Insider last week (3 June) that they have agreed terms with Red Bull Salzburg right-back Kristensen and are increasingly confident of completing a deal.

The Yorkshire giants have already added attacking midfielder Brenden Aaronson for £25million from the Austrian club where both players played under Jesse Marsch.

It is understood Leeds have submitted a £9million bid for Kristensen, 24, who has also attracted interest from Brentford.

“I think you need to add quality in all positions,” Mills told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.

“Luke’s obviously had his injury issues and he’s coming back from that. He’s 30, coming up to 31.

“Where is the succession plan beyond Luke Ayling at right-back? There isn’t one if we’re honest. There is no cover and there’s nobody to pushy Luke Ayling.

“I’ve always said, you’ve got to have competition for places, wherever that might be.

“This might be a signing that takes six months to settle, it might take him a year but then you’re looking at the season after. At that point, Luke Ayling will be 31, turning 32 and there’s someone there to step into his shoes.

“It’s how football is, there’s always somebody younger, better and fitter ready to take your shirt. If you don’t want that to happen, you’ve just got to make sure they don’t.”

In other news, Kieran Maguire has tipped Leeds United to ’emulate Liverpool’ this summer as 49ers news emerges.