Middlesbrough made what is starting to look like a smart piece of business in the January transfer window.
That came with the signing of Luke Ayling. The right-back joined on loan from Leeds United until the end of the season.
Initially, the 32-year-old endured something of a tough start to his time at The Riverside Stadium.
However, the full-back’s form has improved as his time with Middlesbrough has gone.
Indeed, he is now a rather important player, and regular starter, for Michael Carrick‘s side.
That could lead to some questions about whether Ayling could make his move to The Riverside Stadium permanent come the summer transfer window.
We’ve taken a look at the chances of that move being completed by Middlesbrough, right here…
Luke Ayling Leeds United contract
Ayling first joined Leeds United all the way back in 2016, when he joined from Bristol City.
He then remained at Elland Road for the next seven-and-a-half years, before joining Middlesbrough on loan in January.
However, the right-back is now set to his contract with his parent club expire in the summer. That means he is due to become a free agent at the end of this season as things stand.
Will Leeds United give Luke Ayling a new contract
It appears unlikely that Ayling will be getting a new contract at Elland Road when his current deal expires.
According to a report from The Athletic at the time of his move to ‘Boro, Leeds United and their manager, Daniel Farke, had already decided not to offer the 32-year-old a new deal.
That could open the door for Middlesbrough to sign the right-back on a free transfer come the summer.
Luke Ayling wages
As per Salary Sport, Ayling’s current Leeds United contract sees him earn £19,000 per week, or £988,000 per year.
By contrast, the same site states that Middlesbrough currently have five players in their first team squad who earn more than that.
Could Middlesbrough sign Luke Ayling permanently
There is certainly the potential for ‘Boro to sign Ayling on a permanent basis.
If he does indeed not get the offer of a new contract from Leeds United, he will be available on a free transfer.
That would ensure that this is a low risk financial move for Middlesbrough to pursue.
Speaking recently, Carrick suggested that a decision over the right-back’s future would be made further down the line.
However, there have been suggestions from some observers, that the club ought to be looking to give Ayling a permanent contract.
Given he is becoming a player who has made some considerable contributions for Middesbrough recently, that could be well worth looking into.
Indeed, his experience winning promotion from the Championship, as he has done in the past, could also be useful given ‘Boro’s own ambitions.
A move to The Riverside Stadium may also appeal to Ayling. It would allow him to stay at a club he knows well, and where he seems to be enjoying life.
With that in mind, it may not be a huge surprise if we do see Ayling back in a Middlesbrough shirt again next season.