Contract latest on Leeds United-linked Middlesbrough defender Daniel Ayala

The defender is one of several Boro players out of contract at the end of next month, with the Championship season currently suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The squad, including Ayala, returned to small-group training on Monday at Rockliffe Park with the second tier aiming to restart in June.

However his longer-term future remains uncertain.

His wife Hannah Ayala, who is from Hertfordshire, took part in an Instagram Q&A and was asked about her husband’s future, while also explaining why the family had recently moved down south.

Asked whether Ayala would be staying, she said: “I knew this question would be the most asked, but at the moment we don’t know anything yet.

“It’s no secret Daniel’s contract ends this summer, but that wasn’t the reason we left our house up north.

“We had outgrown the house so we decided we would come back down south and look for a new house maybe closer to Yarm if Daniel gets a new contract.”

Championship promotion hopefuls Leeds United, a point clear of second-placed West Brom, have been credited with a strong interest in the Boro centre-back.

The long-serving Spanish defender - who is enjoying life under Jonathan Woodgate at the Riverside – hasn’t featured since January 1 with an ankle injury.

Speaking earlier in the season, Ayala said: ”I am taking a lot more responsibility this season and it is not just because of being the captain.

“When you look around you there are a lot more younger players.

“When I first came here I was one of the younger players and there were a lot of older, experienced players around me. Now it is the other way and now it is my job to help and guide the younger players.

“It is a responsibility on my shoulders but I think that is what I always wanted. I always wanted to be a captain.

“For me it is quite good. I am quite pleased that the manager has trusted me,” said the Spaniard who came through the academy at Liverpool before joining Boro from Norwich in 2013.