Leeds United Director of Football Victor Orta is pleased defender Luke Ayling has become the latest Whites player to sign a new contract to remain at Elland Road. 

Ayling has joined the likes of Liam Cooper and Ronaldo Vieira, by agreeing a new four year deal with the club.

Orta spoke about Ayling committing his future to the club and also the importance of having homegrown players throughout the squad at the Whites.

“Luke has impressed on the pitch but also off the pitch too,” said Orta.

“He is a leader and a very good person as well, I believe that if he continues to improve the way he has in the past 18 months, then he will be a top flight footballer and I am confident we can go on that journey together.

“It is true that the majority of players we have renewed so far are from England, Ireland and the UK.

“Whilst in modern football it is important to have a foreign influence in your squad, I also think it is equally as important to have a core of domestic players.

“I experienced this in my time at Sevilla, you need players in your squad who understand the fans, the league and the culture and it is then their job to show the players who come from overseas how things are done.

“Successful Leeds United squads have always had players from England, Ireland, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland in the squad and will continue this moving forward.”