Leeds have “expressed an interest” in signing Middlesbrough centre-back Daniel Ayala, according to the Northern Echo.

The 29-year-old is out of contract in the summer and while Boro’s Championship rivals won’t be able to speak with the defender until July, it appears they are actively pursuing the player.

Ayala is a key first team player for manager Jonathan Woodgate but the Teessiders are having to cut costs due to the end of parachute payments.

With that being the case, the only way it is likely that Ayala remains at the Riverside Stadium is if he is willing to take a hit on his salary.

A number of other players are in the same boat as the Spaniard with Adam Clayton, Ryan Shotton, Marvin Johnson, Rudy Gestede, Jonny Howson and captain George Friend all having deals that end in June.

The Northern Echo claim that out of the seven players that are due to leave, only Friend and Howson are expected to agree new contracts.