Ayala’s Boro future remains uncertain
Daniel Ayala’s Middlesbrough future remains up in the air, amid ongoing links to Leeds United.
The defender is one of several Boro players out of contract at the end of next month, withtheChampionshipseason currentlysuspendedduetothe coronavirus pandemic.
The squad, including Ayala, returned to small-group training on Monday at Rockliffe Park with the second tier aiming to restart in June.
However, his longer-term future remains uncertain. His wife Hannah Ayala, who is from Hertfordshire, took part in an Instagram Q&A and was asked about her husband’s future,whilealsoexplainingwhy the family had recently moved down south. Asked whether Ayala would be staying, she said: “I knew this question wouldbethemostasked,butat themomentwedon’tknowanythingyet.It’snosecretDaniel’s contractendsthissummer,but that wasn’t the reason we left our house up north. We had outgrown the house so we’re lookingforanewhousemaybe closer to Yarm. if Daniel gets a new contract.”
Championship promotion hopefuls Leeds United, a point clear of second-placed West Brom, have been credited with a strong interest in the Boro centre-back. The long-serving Spanish defender - who is enjoying life under Jonathan Woodgate – hasn’t featured since January 1 with an ankle injury.
Speaking earlier in the season, Ayala said: ”I am taking a lotmoreresponsibilitythisseason and it is not just because of being the captain. When you look around you there are a lot more younger players.
“It’s a responsibility, but I think that is what I always wanted.Iamquitepleasedthat the manager has trusted me.”