Former England international Darren Bent says Middlesbrough defender Daniel Ayala would be a good signing for Leeds United, even if it is unlikely to be a deal that excites the club's fans.

It has been reported recently that the Championship promotion-chasers are interested in signing the 29-year-old on a free transfer when his contract with 'Boro expires at the end of this season.

Since moving to the Riverside Stadium from Norwich in the summer of 2013, Ayala has made 216 appearances in all competitions for 'Boro, helping them win promotion to the Premier League in 2015/16, having also previously played in the top flight with both the Canaries and Liverpool earlier in his career.

That experience is something that Bent feels could benefit Leeds if they are able to secure the services of Ayala when the transfer window reopens, and also win promotion this season.

Speaking to Football Insider about whether or not Ayala would be a good signing for Leeds, the former Tottenham striker said: “He’s played in the Premier League already, he’s got the Championship experience as well so on a free transfer, that wouldn’t be a bad signing to make.

“Even if he’s not going to be your first choice, just someone who has played in the Premier League. Someone who can back up some of the starters and can maybe be a good squad member." 

Discussing what Leeds' fans might make of such a deal, Bent went on to claim: “You wouldn’t expect it, Leeds, if they were to get promoted for the first time in, what, nearly 20 years, the last thing you’d think is the first signing they’d make is Daniel Ayala.

“That’s not really going to excite the Leeds fans.” 

While Leeds are currently top of the Championship table - seven points clear of third-placed Fulham - Ayala and Middlesbrough are 19th in the second-tier standings, just two points clear of the relegation zone.

The Verdict

I do think Bent has a point here.

If Leeds do win promotion to the Premier League this season, then signing a defender on a free transfer from a team battling to avoid relegation from the Championship, is unlikely to be the sort of signing that those of a Leeds persuasion may be expecting them to make.

However, Ayala has proven to be a reliable figure for 'Boro for many years now even when they were further up the pyramid, and his top-flight experience could be useful in a Leeds side who currently have very little of that.

Add to that the fact that this would be a free transfer, and it does at least seem as though the financial risk of this deal is reduced significantly.