Leeds United have secured the signature of Luke Ayling from Championship rivals Bristol City.
The 24-year-old, who has signed a three-year deal, becomes the Whites’ eighth summer signing and is most comfortable at right-back, but can also play in central defence.
The fee is believed to be in the region of £750,000, and Garry Monk moved quickly for the defender after seeing his side thrashed on the opening weekend of the season, at QPR.
Ayling said: “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.
“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.
“It’s a massive club and I can’t wait to get started. I’m buzzing to sign a three-year deal at such a big club.
“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.”
After starting his career at Arsenal, Ayling spent four years at Yeovil, winning promotion to the Championship via the play-offs. After the Glovers‘ relegation, he spent two years at Bristol City, winning both the League One trophy and the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy, as it was then called, in his first season.
He soon became a popular figure at Ashton Gate, and last year made 18 appearances in the Championship as Bristol City came 18th.
