MAX Wöber has left Leeds United by mutual consent after a fraught four-and-a-half year spell.

The Austrian international - whose deal was due to expire next summer - has now linked up with Bundesliga outfit Schalke on a free transfer.

Wöber, 28, joined Leeds on a four-and-a-half year contract from Red Bull Salzburg in the 2022-23 winter window in a £10m deal.

The defender triggered an exit clause following relegation at the end of that season and spent the 2023-24 campaign on loan at German top-flight side Borussia Monchengladbach before returning to the United fold.

Wober has linked up with Schalke following his exit from Leeds United. Picture: Tony Johnson.

placeholder image — Wober has linked up with Schalke following his exit from Leeds United. Picture: Tony Johnson.

Wöber struggled with injury in 2024-25, twice undergoing knee surgery and made just nine appearances in all competitions for Leeds.

Last summer, Wöber returned to Germany after joining Werder Bremen on loan for the 2025-26 campaign, but made just three appearances in an injury-hit campaign.

Middlesbrough are turning their attentions towards a loan deal to bring Tottenham Hotspur defender Ashley Phillips after completing the signing of his Spurs' team-mate Will Lankshear.

The 21-year-old, Boro's number one attacking target, has joined for an initial £8million, although the package is thought to be worth £20m including potential add-ons.

Middlesbrough have completed the signing of Tottenham forward Will Lankshear. Picture: PA.

Wolves, Southampton and Sporting CP are all understood to have had offers turned down for Lankshear already this summer.

Lankshear, who moved to Spurs from Sheffield United's academy in 2022, has signed a five-year deal.

The striker, who scored 12 times during a productive loan spell at Oxford United last term, said: "Middlesbrough is such a massive club over the years; I deem it to be a Premier League club. I can’t wait to get started and be part of the journey, and get this club back where it belongs."