Middlesbrough are on an impressive run of form at this moment in time.
Following their 1-0 win at Birmingham City on Tuesday night, it is now three straight victories for the club.
That has seen Michael Carrick‘s side climb to 9th in the Championship table, five points adrift of the play-off places.
One player who has impressed during that run is Luke Ayling. The right-back has won praise at times for some of his recent contributions.
As a result, Carrick has now found himself answering questions about the possibility of a new deal with Middlesbrough for the 32-year-old come the summer.
Michael Carrick speaks on Luke Ayling future
Ayling of course, joined ‘Boro on a loan deal from Leeds United back in the January transfer window.
That deal is set to run until the end of the season. At that point though, his contract with his parent club is also set to expire.
As a result, Ayling will be available as a free agent in the summer, which could open the door for him to make a permanent return to Middlesbrough.
However, Carrick does not think that is a priority for the right-back at this moment in time, with his focus instead on upcoming games.
When asked if he things Ayling is playing for a permanent move to the club, the ‘Boro boss told The Teeside Gazette:
“You’re always playing for something and as it stands at the moment that’s obviously what’s next. Looking at him, that’s not at the forefront of his mind at all. He’s all in, he’s desperate to do well and win games for us. We’ll see. That will play out how it’s going to play out over the next few months.”
Next up for Middlesbrough is the visit of Blackburn Rovers to the Riverside Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Middlesbrough should target permanent transfer
It would seem to make sense for ‘Boro to try and turn Ayling’s deal into a permanent one come the summer.
After something of a mixed to start to his time at The Riverside, the right-back has now settled in well at The Riverside.
He is starting to produce some solid performances, and has provided an assist in each of the last three games.
As a result, Ayling has been vital to the winning run that Middlesbrough are currently on.
That could mean he is a useful player for them to keep around for next season. He can evidently play a part in a push for the top six, and his experience of doing so with Leeds United could help this squad as well.
Meanwhile, the fat he is apparently keen to do so well with the club now, while only on loan, does suggest he is showing the sort of cimmitment and dedication fans will want to tsee at The Riverside Stadium.
Given he will be a free agent in the summer, there will not be much financial risk attached to this deal either.
With that in mind, this does seem to be one that could be well worth pursuing for Middlesbrough come the end of the season.