Middlesbrough FC transfer rumours: Leeds United turn down ex-Liverpool defender plus Boro linked with experienced full-back

Ayala, 29, is still nursing an ankle injury he suffered at Preston on New Year’s Day so won’t feature when Boro travel to Stoke this weekend.

The centre-back, who will see his contract expire on June 30, has also decided not to sign a short-term agreement which would allow him to complete the season at the Riverside.

Ayala has been repeatedly linked with Championship promotion chasers Leed United this year, yet recent reports have claimed the defender won’t be heading to Elland Road.

According to the Daily Mirror, Leeds have turned down the chance to sign the former Liverpool centre-back on a free transfer.

The report claims Ayala’s agent contacted Leeds’ director of football Victor Orta, formally of Boro, yet the Whites aren’t interested in a deal.

Boro linked with Reading full-back

Ayala isn’t the only Championship player who is set to move on this summer – with speculation starting to increase about Reading full-back Chris Gunter.

The Welsh international, 30, is expected to leave the Madejski Stadium at the end of the season, but has signed a deal to play their remaining games in July.

Yet according to the Sun, new Boro boss Neil Warnock has already identified Gunter as a summer target to add experience to the Teessiders’ backline.

Whether Warnock remains at Boro beyond the end of this campaign remains to be seen.

The 71-year-old has initially been brought in until the end of the season to try and keep Boro in the Championship.

Keane’s message to Boro fan

After Jonathan Woodgate was relieved of his duties as Boro head coach on Tuesday, his assistant, Robbie Keane, decided to leave the club.

The former striker has since taken to Instagram to say thank you for his time in the North East.

“I have opted to leave Boro as my contract finishes at the end of the month,” he posted.

“I have really enjoyed my year here and would like to thank the club and their fans for their great support.

“Also I would like to thank Jonathan Woodgate for the great experience.”