AYLING ARRIVES AT UNITED

FREEVIEW: GARRY MONK ON AYLING & BOTAKA

Full-back becomes eighth summer signing at Elland Road...

We are delighted to announce the signing of full-back Luke Ayling from Bristol City for an undisclosed fee.

The 24-year-old, who becomes Garry Monk’s eighth signing of the summer, finalised a three-year deal at Elland Road on Thursday afternoon and has taken the previously vacant number 2 shirt.

“It’s a massive club and I can’t wait to get started,” he told leedsunited.com . “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.

“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.

“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 his career at Arsenal, where he was a youth team-mate of Kyle Bartley, and progressed through the ranks to sign professional terms in 2009.

The defender then moved to Yeovil Town in 2010, initially on loan, without making a senior appearance for the Gunners. He spent four years on the books at Huish Park, helping the Glovers achieve promotion from League One in 2013, before being snapped up by Bristol City the following year.

Ayling also helped his new club secure a return to the Championship and made 33 league appearances in the second tier last term, establishing himself as a regular fixture at Ashton Gate as they secured an 18th-place finish.

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