Luke Ayling, the Leeds United defender who had been linked with Sheffield United this summer, has admitted he is “close” to signing for Middlesbrough on a permanent deal at the end of his Elland Road deal. The defender, 32, joined Boro on loan in January until the end of the season. Brereton Diaz open-minded about future after United loan success Ayling played 19 times for Michael Carrick’s side as they finished eighth in the Championship, four points off the play-offs. A defender who plays... Read this story
