The situation regarding Daniel Ayala's future is bound to have a big impact on the rest of the Middlesbrough squad.

The Spaniard is in the final year of his contract which means that he will be allowed to leave the club for free next summer unless a solution is found.

Reports from TEAMtalk claim that Ayala is the subject of interest from Leeds United, Stoke City and Fulham, meaning that the defender could be allowed to leave in January to ensure that the club don't miss out on a transfer fee.

However any January departure could leave Middlesbrough painfully short.

Jonathan Woodgate's side are already struggling in the Championship after going nine games without a win, a run which sees them currently sitting in the relegation zone.

That means that if Daniel Ayala is to leave then one of Woodgate's current defenders will need to step up to the plate to replace him.

Here are the contenders to step into Ayala's boots.

Dael Fry

The young defender has been the regular defensive partner for Daniel Ayala this season.

At 22 years of age, Fry has very much been the youth out of the duo, but if the Spaniard was to leave it would mean that the Middlesbrough-born defender would need to step up.

He's a player of real potential, but perhaps a Middlesbrough exit for Daniel Ayala could see him step up to be the main man at the back.

Ryan Shotton

He's come in for some criticism for his performances, but Ryan Shotton would likely be the best bet to replace Daniel Ayala.

The 31-year-old is a versatile defender having played at both left and right back, but with George Friend now back from injury, it means that Shotton could look to establish himself at centre back.

If Ayala does leave, then Shotton could be the perfect experienced defender to partner Dael Fry and further the young defender's development.

[freshpress-poll ]

George Friend

He's missed much of the season through injury, but George Friend's return could be a timely boost.

While he's a left back by trade, Friend can also play in central defence which makes him a good bet to replace Daniel Ayala.

I'm not sure he's a long-term solution for this potential problem, but if Jonathan Woodgate was looking to plug the gap then I'm sure Friend could be a credible candidate for the role.