LUKE AYLING claims the prospect of what Middlesbrough could achieve next season meant he was not interested in listening to alternative suitors in the last couple of weeks.

Having joined Boro on loan from Leeds United in the second half of last season, Ayling completed a permanent move to Teesside yesterday when he signed a two-year contract.

The 32-year-old right-back made a hugely positive impression during his loan spell, claiming eight assists during his 19 Championship starts.

Ayling helped Boro finish in eighth position as they lost just one of their last 12 league matches, so while Sheffield United were hoping to lure him to Bramall Lane this summer, his mind was always set on completing a permanent switch to the Riverside.

“I had a great four months here, so re-signing was a pretty straightforward decision,” said Ayling, whose return to Boro was announced via a series of billboards in Middlesbrough town centre yesterday. “It's been done for quite a while so I'm happy we can finally announce it now.

The Northern Echo: A billboard in Middlesbrough town centre teasing Luke Ayling's permanent transfer to BoroA billboard in Middlesbrough town centre teasing Luke Ayling's permanent transfer to Boro (Image: MFC)

“Having spoken to the gaffer and other people at the club, and then knowing the lads in the dressing room, it was an easy decision to make.

“I'm sure there will have been other teams interested, but, with what happened at the end of last season and how the team was playing and what I feel we can do next year, that's why I've signed on. I'm really excited about what we can achieve next year.

“I can't wait to get back in now because it feels like the season just ended a little too early for us this time. We were playing well, scoring goals and playing good football, so while it's been nice to have a little break, it did feel like it came just a few weeks too early.”

Ayling became a firm fans’ favourite during his seven-and-a-half years as a Leeds player, and admits it was initially a wrench to leave West Yorkshire.

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He retains a strong affinity with Leeds – he was at Wembley at the weekend to watch Daniel Farke’s side lose to Southampton in the play-off final – but is delighted at the ease with which he has slipped into life as a Middlesbrough player.

“The boys and the staff deserve so much credit for how well it went for me last season,” said Ayling. “They made me feel so welcome. I was leaving Leeds after seven-and-a-half years.

“I was comfortable there and so I was a bit nervous coming in. But the lads were brilliant with me. I feel like I've grown into a leader in the dressing room already and that's something I look forward to taking on next year.

“Coming here was all about proving to myself, more than anybody else, that I can still play at a high level. I feel like I did that and therefore earned my contract here, so I'm really proud of that.

“Obviously then the fans, from the first moment, it just felt like there was an excitement that I was signing and they made me feel so good and wanted. I then feel I did well on the pitch, which helps the fans bond to you. I really can't wait to get back out there and play more good games to raise the bar.”