'What an honour' - Leeds United favourite vows to repay fans' support after local business' clever gesture

The popular matchday watering hole has been renamed 'The Luke Ale Inn' until the end of the season as a tribute to the United defender who earlier this month joined Middlesbrough on loan until the expiry of his contract this summer.

Ayling was unable to attend Leeds' 2-1 home win over Preston North End at the weekend due to training commitments for his new club, but plans are in place for the promotion-winning full-back to return to Elland Road at some point this year in order to bid farewell to the supporters he played in front of for seven-and-a-half years.

Ayling responded to The Old Peacock's play-on-words renaming with a social media post on Wednesday morning, which read: "What an honour. Can't wait to get in and have a pint once the season is over."

Ever the professional, Ayling first and foremost reiterated his focus on the task at hand with loan club Boro, but fully intends to meet-and-greet Leeds supporters once the 2023/24 season has concluded, extending a generous offer to those on the day.

"Obviously I am really focused on making sure I do everything I can to push on at Middlesbrough but one day I'll be back to say goodbye and the drinks are on me."

The 32-year-old represented Leeds on 268 occasions, skippering the side over 80 times throughout the duration of his stay at Elland Road.