Sheffield Wednesday are weighing up for a move to sign Middlesbrough defender Daniel Ayala. The Championship side have failed in the promotion battle as despite making it to playoffs they just missed out by a whisker. The Owls are more determined to make amends and want to bring the Boro defender to strengthen their backline.
Ayala was one of the key players as the Teessiders won a promotion to the Premier League but he failed to establish himself as a regular member this season as they got demoted to the Championship again. Aitor Karanka’s side was struggling as they have not made out much from the recently concluded campaign. The 26-year-old started only 11 games this season but if he needs to maintain his shape he has to find regular football.
The former Liverpool player attracted interest from Turkish side Galatasaray but the deal didn’t materialise and he stayed at the club. He seemed to be happy with his life at the Teeside but it might be the right time for him to move outside of the club to sort out his future.
Karanka mainly used Ben Gibson and Arsenal loanee Callum Chambers in the Boro defence and their form had kept him on the bench. The Owls needs to tighten up their defence and Ayala could become that player.
Carlos Carvalhal already has defensive duo Glenn Loovens and Tom Lees but he is not fully convinced about his defence. He wants to add some weight to the backline and Ayala has that potential in him. He has rich experience of the Championship football and could prove to be very handy for the Owls.
Sheffield Wednesday have also been linked with Newcastle United defender Grant Hanley as the Owls gaffer is determined to add some significant addition to the team.
Ayala previously had stints with Liverpool and Norwich City. Middlesbrough do have a very fruitful relationship with the Owls when it comes to doing transfers. The Teesiders sold Adam Reach and Jordan Rhodes to the club and now Ayala could follow the suit.
Wednesday did struggle at times defensively as all the centre backs had a lengthy injury spell in some patches and had to spend a brief amount of time on the sidelines. Bringing Ayala would end the problem as the club would be aiming for a promotion next season.
