Phil Hay drops major behind-the-scenes claim that'll worry Leeds supporters - opinion

The Athletic’s Phil Hay has delivered a significant update on Leeds United stalwart Luke Ayling.

The journalist said: “I’m pleased for him (after Wolves) because he hasn’t had a particularly great season and I think, like with a few others, he’s probably going to come under consideration now about what needs to happen in the summer.

“He’s had two really good games, particularly the back end of the Wolves game; really, really influential. But there is going to now be that consideration in the summer of ‘what do we do with the squad?’

“On the basis of this season, using cold hard facts, what needs to change? He has given everything to this last four years, whatever you think about form.”

Usually one of the first names on the team sheet, there’s no questioning that Ayling has been one of Leeds’ most trusted players over the past few years.

The £45k-a-week ace played the full 90 minutes in every single Premier League game last season bar one, and even that was when former Whites boss Marcelo Bielsa took him off to try and find a goal in the last 20 minutes against ten-man Arsenal.

In the past, Hay has emphasised how important Ayling is to the team, declaring: “The more you look at him and analyse him, the more you realise he’s integral to everything Leeds do.”

Speaking just last year, former Scotland manager Alex McLeish raved about the consistency that Ayling brings to the table on a weekly basis, saying: “We talk about Luke nearly every week, we always give him a mention. He’s such an enthusiast for the game. It’s a guy who clearly loves his football and his roles within Leeds United, not only as a full-back, he’s got the centre-back skills as well – he’s got versatility.

“He’s a really, really good example to any young