Daniel Ayala’s recent comments suggest he will not want to make Leeds United transfer happen

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Leeds United are being linked with a move for Middlesbrough defender Daniel Ayala. As reported by TEAMtalk, Leeds are keen on the player along with Fulham and Stoke City. The report suggests that Fulham are favourites but Leeds have a connection through director of football Victor Orta, who knows Ayala from his time at Riverside. 

Middlesbrough are reportedly prepared to cash in on Ayala in January as his current contract expires in the summer and they cannot afford to offer him the same terms. 

It seems then that Leeds have a chance. But the player himself has made it very clear what he wants to do. 

Speaking to Teeside Live last week, Ayala made it very clear that he wants to remain at Middlesbrough. However, he also admitted he understood the club might have plans to let him go due to financial reasons. 

“Of course I would like to stay. I have been here seven years and played 200 games and, hopefully, I can play a lot more.

“But I know things are changing at the club and maybe they want to get younger players in and maybe they want to have not so many big earners.

“That is something I have to accept. That’s the reality of football now – but as I say I want to stay.”

TBR’s View

Plenty of Leeds fans believe the club do need another centre-back to get them through the rest of the Championship season but that is not a belief seemingly shared by Marcelo Bielsa. 

In the summer, when a free agent, it might be a dofferent story, but Leeds making a move for Ayala in January would seem out of character. 

Even if they do, it seems it will take a lot for Ayala to be pried away from Boro, even if the club are pushing the sale. 

So for now, Leeds fans can probably take the reports with a pinch of salt.