Just In: Birmingham City set to sign Leeds United assist king on a free transfer

Leeds United appear to be in for another busy summer of departures when the transfer window reopens.

The Whites have a handful of out-of-contract players, as well as six returning first-teamers who departed on loan nearly a year ago.

Following relegation from the Premier League, eight players chose to exercise the loan clauses that became active in their contracts. So far, only Luis Sinisterra and Robin Koch have secured permanent exits.

Leeds feel optimistic in their ability to sell Jack Harrison, Max Wober, Marc Roca, and Diego Llorente, leaving Rasmus Kristensen and Brenden Aaronson with uncertain summers ahead.

Sam Greenwood is another player whose future will be uncertain after Middlesbrough declined to exercise their £1.5 million option to buy.

In terms of those who are out of contract, a handful of players appear to have played their last games for the club. Ian Poveda, Luke Ayling, Lewis Bate, and Cody Drameh all fit under that category.

Stuart Dallas, meanwhile, has already announced his retirement, while Liam Cooper is not anticipated to be handed a new contract. No decision has been made on Sam Byram or Jamie Shackleton.

Birmingham join race to sign Luke Ayling on a free from Leeds

There has already been a lot of interest in individuals who will be out of contract next month, particularly Poveda.

Poveda is desired by Sheffield Wednesday after spending the second half of the season with the Owls, although he will face competition from clubs abroad, including Burnley and Luton Town.

According to the Northern Echo, League One side Birmingham City has joined the race to recruit Ayling.

According to the source, both Middlesbrough and Sheffield United are interested in Ayling, who recently completed his loan term with the former.

Ayling has previously stated that a permanent contract with Boro is ‘close’ to being reached, but nothing official has been announced since he made that statement nearly two weeks ago.

Birmingham are considered an outsider in the fight for Ayling, having recently been demoted, but under new owner Tom Wagner, there is undoubtedly an exciting project underway at St Andrews.

Ayling would be daft to turn down Boro

After losing form in his final months at Leeds after falling out of favour, Ayling regained his finest form at Boro.

During his tenure at the Riverside, the 32-year-old established himself as an assist king, scoring eight goals in the final 11 games of the season.

Boro is also in a great position where he will not have to relocate his family, which is clearly important for Ayling, who has two small children.

His services are definitely in high demand as the summer approaches, but a permanent agreement at Boro makes perfect sense for him.