Transfers may have been dealt with until January at Leeds United, but work continues on sculpting this squad for its next phase. While external targets can be put on the back burner for a little while, Victor Orta must set about securing the futures of the existing squad.
We are now within two years of a whole raft of contracts expiring at Elland Road and, traditionally, clubs like to ensure nobody they are interested in keeping enters the final year of their deal. With a number of players entering their 30s, it’s an intriguing time as Orta plots the transition of this squad.
The immediate case for attention is Luke Ayling, whose current deal expires next summer, barring any hidden extension clauses. Now 31, Ayling showed from the bench on Saturday what he can bring to the team, but Jesse Marsch will want to see more across several months rather than a 21-minute cameo.
