Birmingham City Look ‘Long Shot’ In Chase For Star With Expiring Deal | OneFootball

Birmingham City now look a ‘long shot’ to sign defender Luke Ayling on a free transfer due to dropping into League One, according to the Northern Echo.

Ayling is under contract at Leeds United until the end of June, but is leaving the Whites as a free agent.

He spent the second half of the season on loan at Middlesbrough and Boro consider making his move permanent to be a crucial bit of business.

They have competition for Ayling from Sheffield United, where Chris Wilder is keen.

Birmingham are also interested in securing Ayling, but it is claimed they now ‘look a long shot’ following their relegation from the Championship and into League One.

Blues are admirers of Ayling, however convincing the defender to drop into the third tier looks a bridge too far.

Experienced defender Ayling, who will turn 33 before the end of August, has played in League One before, clocking 170 appearances in the division.

He is likely to want to continue his career in the Championship though, where he has made over 250 appearances.