Middlesbrough defender Daniel Ayala has been banned from the Rockcliffe training complex, according to the Teesside Gazette.

The Spaniard has rejected a new three-year contract to stay at Boro and he won’t feature in any of the club’s last nine Championship fixtures.

It was hoped that Ayala would at least sign a short-term extension so he could see out the season at the Riverside Stadium, but he is now expected to leave on June 30th.

Due to his lack of commitment to the cause, manager Jonathan Woodgate has decided he won’t play against Swansea or Stoke before his deal expires, and he has been asked to stay away from the training ground.

His refusal to sign a new contract is not the only reason behind Woodgate’s hardline stance. The Teesside Gazette reports that there have been concerns over Ayala’s attitude for a number of months.

There were question marks over the severity of an ankle injury, while his decision to move house away from Middlesbrough, as well as his unwillingness to stick to a training regime in recent weeks, have all been cited as reasons why he is no longer welcome at the club.

Ayala is reportedly being tracked by Newcastle and Leeds, with the defender now counting down the days until his contract ends.