Lots of Leeds United fans on social media are firm in their stance that they do not want Middlesbrough defender Daniel Ayala signed following reports of interest in the soon-to-be free agent.
It was speculated recently by the Northern Echo that the Whites have expressed an interest in the Spaniard, as Ayala faces an uncertain future at the Riverside Stadium with his contract due to expire in the summer and Boro needing him to take a pay cut in order to stay.
Ayala is considered to be Jonathan Woodgate’s best central defensive option, and the Boro boss would be hoping that the 29-year-old can return from injury when the season resumes having been sidelined since New Year’s Day.
The Liverpool academy graduate had been a regular for Woodgate before sustaining the blow at Preston North End earlier in the year, having started 23 of his 25 league appearances and captaining the side in all but four of his outings.
Ayala would not be short of interest if he decides against accepting a pay cut on his current £25,000-per-week terms and leaves Middlesbrough unattached this summer, with the Daily Star suggesting other sides have also now registered their interest.
But United would appear well placed to beat out the rival intrigue, as the Daily Star add that Ayala would welcome the chance to work with Marcelo Bielsa and not have to relocate.
Ayala is proposed as a potential replacement for Ben White, with Brighton & Hove Albion unwilling to sell the Poole-born loanee following his outstanding year at Elland Road.
Per data collected in the Championship this season by Sofa Score, White has attempted more tackles than Ayala (63 to 31), registered more interceptions (86 to 31), won more ground duels (110 to 44), won more aerial duels (105 to 98), played a vastly higher number of accurate passes in his own half (1,379 to 397) and played more accurate long balls (104 to 38).
Here are some of the messages shared as fans reacted to reports that Leeds are interested in Ayala by showing a clear resistance to any potential deal…
Not a hope, he’s a liabilty.
— Alan Thompson 🇮🇪 (@thombo1987) March 29, 2020
No thanks, not good enough playing out from the back
— Richard Lang (@richardlang05) March 29, 2020
I don’t even want him at Leeds in the visiting team neve rmind ours. Horrible player
— Richard Chew 💙💛 (@rickyachew) March 30, 2020
No i wouldnt thanks
— john west (@JohnWest682) March 29, 2020
NO, Never….
— Dave Reynolds 💙 💛 (@_Dave_R) March 29, 2020
No Middlesbrough can keep him https://t.co/TSK7YfQSfo
— kallum (@kallum65661926) March 29, 2020
Absolutely not!
— Joe Catling (@JoeCatling19) March 29, 2020
No
— Bielsa’s Cheese Wedge Ultras (@Allcheese1) March 29, 2020