Speculation regarding Daniel Ayala's future at Middlesbrough looks set to rumble on and on.

The defender is out of contract next summer meaning that he can start to discuss terms with teams around the continent as early as January.

The next transfer window represents the only remaining opportunity for Middlesbrough to command a fee for the Spaniard, who otherwise will be allowed to leave for nothing next summer.

Reports from TeamTalk have claimed that Leeds United, Stoke City and Fulham are all eyeing a move for the 29-year-old, who would be a real coup for one of Middlesbrough's Championship rivals.

While it remains to be see whether Ayala will sign a new contract with the club, there's been plenty of debate over whether the club should look to sell the defender in January.

Here are some of the key positives and negatives to a January sale.

Pro - Recouping a valuable transfer fee

Middlesbrough are in a tricky position as they look to cut their financial cloth accordingly.

The club are looking to avoid buying players for big fees, and as such, transfer funds are deemed to be at a premium.

If Daniel Ayala sees out his contract, Middlesbrough will get nothing for one of their star performers - something which is unthinkable for a club of the size of Middlesbrough.

If the defender is unlikely to stay, then the ability to claim a fee - even if it's only £2-3million, will be a big boost and could go a long way to finding a replacement who fits the mould sought by Jonathan Woodgate.

Pro - Ends a season of uncertainty

We're already in November and the speculation regarding Daniel Ayala's future is already a huge talking point.

Plenty of things are going wrong for Middlesbrough on the pitch, but one thing is for certain and that's that all of this uncertainty can't be helping the player.

Performances on the pitch need to improve, and if it's thought that Daniel Ayala's contract situation is having a negative impact on the squad, then maybe it is best that he moves on.

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Con - Losing a crucial player when needed most

There's no questioning that Middlesbrough are struggling for form, and if they're to improve they certainly need all of their experience stars.

Daniel Ayala is the top of that list.

To lose a player of the Spaniard's experience and quality could be a hammer blow to Boro's hopes staying in the Championship, as frankly, there's a real lack of leadership in Jonathan Woodgate's defence already.

Con - Any fee received will be lower than market value

I know it's a case of 'beggars can't be choosers' in this instance, but selling Daniel Ayala on the cheap would be a bitter pill to swallow.

Such is his influence, you could even make a case for saying that Middlesbrough would be better off allowing him to leave at the end of the season, even if only to ensure he is part of Woodgate's team for the second half of the season.

It would mean losing out on a fee, but if Middlesbrough were unable to replace Ayala in January then they would be in big, big trouble.