Leeds United reportedly want to sign former Nottingham Forest loan defender Daniel Ayala.
Ayala's current contract at Middlesbrough is due to expire this summer, which would make him available on a free transfer.
The current suspension of the 2019-20 campaign due to the coronavirus crisis may complicate matters - but the Daily Star reports that Leeds are keen to snap him up.
Ayala started his career with Liverpool and had a loan spells with Hull City and the Rams before joining Norwich City.
He spent the 2012-13 season on loan at Forest, making 14 appearances in all competitions and scoring one goal.
He has been with Middlesbrough since January 2014 and has played more than 200 games for the Teesside club.
Leeds are top of the Championship table with nine games to go - and closing in on a long-awaited return to the Premier League.
Former Derby striker Darren Bent does not think the signing of Ayala would necessarily excite the fans at Elland Road.
“He’s played in the Premier League already, he’s got the Championship experience as well so on a free transfer, that wouldn’t be a bad signing to make,” Bent told Football Insider.
“Even if he’s not going to be your first choice, just someone who has played in the Premier League. Someone who can back up some of the starters and can maybe be a good squad member.
“You wouldn’t expect it, Leeds, if they were to get promoted for the first time in, what, nearly 20 years, the last thing you’d think is the first signing they’d make is Daniel Ayala.
“That’s not really going to excite the Leeds fans.”
Former Leeds striker Noel Whelan does not think Ayala is good enough for Marcelo Bielsa's side.
“I would not want him at the club," said Whelan.
"From what I have seen of him this season at Boro, he is not good enough.”
