One Middlesbrough ace has been linked with a move away from Riverside Stadium.
Middlesbrough are now all but resigned to another season in the Championship and transfer plans will already be underway.
Despite a remarkable run of form of late, which has seen Michael Carrick‘s side avoid defeat in their last nine games, they just couldn’t recover from their poor start to the campaign and sixth-placed Norwich City have now pulled clear.
With just three games remaining, Boro chiefs will be hard at work behind the scenes drawing up a list of targets to build a squad capable of challenging for promotion.
That said, they’ll have to contend with suitors interested in some of their key performers, as one transfer rumours now emerges.
Sheffield United target Luke Ayling
Luke Ayling joined Middlesbrough on a loan deal during the January transfer window and since arriving on Teesside, he’s become one of the most consistent performers.
The 32-year-old defender has looked every inch of a top-end Championship player and surely Carrick will be keen to secure his signature on a permanent deal in the summer after making such a ‘big impact’.
Ayling’s contract at Leeds United ends in June, meaning Boro will be able to snap him up on a free transfer if, of course, the West Yorkshire club opt against renewing it.
Though, they may face competition, as Premier League outfit Sheffield United are targeting a move for the all-action right-back, as per Alan Nixon.
Former Boro boss Chris Wilder is keen to add the veteran defender to his ranks, as he looks to rebuild a side capable of returning to the top flight if indeed The Blades suffer relegation.
Middlesbrough may be the more attractive option for Luke Ayling
If Ayling does become a free agent this summer, he’s expected to be in demand across the Championship but Middlesbrough should be the leading contenders for his services.
Having already made 17 appearances under Carrick’s stewardship, the pair would’ve built a good relationship and that will certainly play a factor in deciding his future.
If Sheffield United do drop to the Championship, they’ll likely be challenging for promotion next term with the parachute payments facilitating their push.
But, equally, that isn’t always the case and Ayling may feel there is more stability at Boro, particularly with how strongly they’ve finished the season.
The future seems bright with Carrick at the wheel and it wouldn’t at all be surprising if his side are battling it at the summit next term.
But for that to happen, they must address some key areas in the summer transfer window.