Middlesbrough fans have been left split over Noel Whelan's claims that Daniel Ayala would not be good enough to play for Leeds United.
The former striker, who played for both clubs, has reacted to reports in the media linking the Spaniard with a move to Elland Road this summer when his contract on Teesside runs out.
However, Whelan boldly declared that he didn't believe the 29-year-old would be good enough for the Whites if they were promoted to the Premier League.
“He is no Ben White,” he told Football Insider.
“I would not want him at the club. From what I have seen of him this season at Boro he is not good enough.
“He does not have the pace that is going to be required in the Premier League – Ben White has. Liam Cooper got himself an international call-up this season and he looks stronger and better. Would I put Ayala ahead of those two? Absolutely not.
“There is better out there that we can get hold of. We might need to spend more money but in the long-term would be a better buy and asset to Leeds.”
Those comments have split the Middlesbrough fan base, with some conceding that Ayala wouldn't fit Leeds' ball-playing style of play, whilst others have taken exception to comments about the ability of a player who has been one of the Championship's best defenders over the last few seasons.
Here's a look at what they have been saying on social media.
Jason Pipe: "To be fair. As much as I love Ayala and I would be gutted if he left the Boro, I myself am unsure if he is a Premiership standard player.
He does make some mistakes and can ‘sometimes’ get away with it in the Championship but wouldn’t as much in the Premiership."
Mark Whetter: " Good, that’s pleasing to hear Leeds don’t want him. You stay here Danni where you belong!"
Jonathan Quain: " Whelan knows all about not being good enough, but he’s wrong with Ayala."
Martin Stockton: "He will go somewhere where the winters are warm. That excludes Leeds."
John Straker : Whelan is dead right. He isn’t good enough simple as that.
Steven Wallace: "If they are playing in the Premier League next season then Ayala isn’t good enough as he wasn’t good enough for us when we were there - but if they are in the Championship then he’s an ideal player."
Andrew Barbsmfc86 : "Shows you how naive Whelan is. Ayala has done it in Championship and was good in premier those two he mentions are unproven and in premier you need that experience."
Michal Laszuk: "If Ayala leaves, I could see him coming back to Spain. He could easily establish himself in the first XI of a team from the lower half of Primera Division."
Timmy Leech: "Just because he says Leeds don't want him there will be teams around the Championship that will. Mr Gibson get him tied down."
Steve Angel: "Leeds are not good enough for Ayala."
