Ayling eager to get started at Leeds United

Luke Ayling, who was unveiled as Leeds United's eighth summer signing.Luke Ayling, who was unveiled as Leeds United's eighth summer signing.
Luke Ayling, who was unveiled as Leeds United's eighth summer signing.
New Leeds United defender Luke Ayling is delighted at being given a chance to establish himself at Leeds united following his move from Bristol City.

The right-back or central defender completed his deal last night for an undisclosed fee, reported to be around £750,000 and put pen to paper on a three-year deal.

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The 24-year-old became Garry Monk’s eighth signing and has been given the number 2 shirt. He is immediately in contention to start in Saturday’s Championship game against Birmingham City with regular right-back Gaetano Berardi currently out injured.

“It’s a massive club and I can’t wait to get started,” said Ayling.

“I’m buzzing to sign a three-year deal at such a big club.

“I heard about five days ago that there might be a chance of me coming here, then things started to move quickly on Monday night and I started driving down this week. I was really happy.

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“Garry Monk has told me that he wants me to come in and play football in the right way. He likes players to get on the ball and show themselves and be the player that they want to be.

“I like the ball at my feet and hopefully I can bring something different to the team.

“I hope to bring loads of energy and get up and down the wing. I think I’m quite good with the ball at my feet and I always try to play football in the right way.

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“I can’t wait for the prospect of playing at Elland Road on Saturday in the first game back here. It’s going to be packed and I can’t wait to get out there in front of the fans.”

Ayling began as Arsenal junior, where he was a youth team-mate of United’s Kyle Bartley, before moving to Yeovil Town in 2010, initially on loan, without making a senior appearance for the Gunners. He spent four years there and has been at Bristol City since 2014.

As one player arrived another left the club with Leeds winger Jordan Botaka joining League One side Charlton Athletic on a season-long loan.