Leeds United’s pursuit of Middlesbrough defender Daniel Ayala is at an ‘advanced’ stage – that’s according to Football Insider. The report claims that the Whites are working on two potential defensive signings, of which the 29-year-old is one. However, a deal is yet to be agreed.
Marcelo Bielsa’s side are currently flying high at the top of the Championship and appear to be already planning for next season and the fact that Ben White will be returning to Brighton and Hove Albion when his loan ends.
The 22-year-old has played every single minute of Leeds’ league campaign so far this season, averaging a performance rating of 7.05/10 (via WhoScored.com). Therefore, when he does leave, his absence will no doubt be felt.
In Ayala, Bielsa would be getting a replacement with experience of playing in the top flight. The Spaniard has 26 Premier League appearances under his belt and with his contract at the Riverside due to expire this month, the Whites would be able to land the defender on a free transfer, assuming they can persuade him to turn down the long-term offer the Teesside club have made him.
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Ayala, who is valued at £2.88m (as per Transfermarkt), has made 25 appearances for Middlesbrough this season in the Championship, chipping in with two goals (as per Transfermarkt.co.uk). His average performance rating stands at 6.92/10 according to WhoScored.com and so you could argue he would be a downgrade on White in that position.
Bielsa may well be assessing his options ahead of the summer but there’s no doubt in our minds his full focus will be on finishing the job his team started and securing the club’s place back in the Premier League for the first time since their relegation in 2004.