Fulham have been linked with a January move for Middlesbrough defender Daniel Ayala, with the Spaniard out of contract in the summer.

It’s that time of year when January transfer rumours start to circulate. The latest of which is Boro’s Daniel Ayala who along with Fulham, has attracted interest from Leeds United and Stoke City.

The trio are chasing the centre-back who’s contract at The Riverside expires in the summer.

Ayala, 29, has played over 200 games for the club since joining in 2013.

In the latest FLW Six-Pointer, we discuss whether Fulham should move for Ayala, and whether the Spaniard would be a good fit for the club.

Do Fulham need a central defender?

Fulham haven’t leaked goals this season - they’ve conceded 17 in 16 Championship games. But they could definitely do with an extra centre-back.

Alfie Mawson and Tim Ream have been the centre-pairing so far this season and have had their fair share of struggles in the season so far.

They got torn apart against Hull earlier in the month, a game where one of them could've done with a rest - having Ayala would allow Parker to rotate more efficiently.

Is Ayala good enough for Fulham?

Ayala has been a Championship player for most of his career now. He’s been an ever-present figure in the Boro defence in that time and has consistently been one of the club’s best performers.

He'd definitely do a job at Fulham, but it might not come cheap.

How much would Ayala cost?

With his contract expiring in the summer, Boro may not ask for a huge sum for the 29-year-old. But with competition from Leeds and Stoke, Fulham might find themselves in a bidding war.

Is Ayala too old?

For a centre-back, 29 isn’t that old. Fulham could probably get a few good seasons out of him before they start to see the wear, but Parker might prefer a signing for the future, with both Mawson and Ream knocking on.

Would Ayala want to leave Boro?

He’s actually said that he’d be happy to stay at The Riverside, but that might change over the course of the season.

Boro still have every chance of being relegated this season and if that comes true, Ayala could well head for the exit if he doesn’t in January.

Why should Ayala choose Fulham over Leeds and Stoke?

A move to Stoke would likely seem a sideways step for Ayala, leaving Leeds and Fulham his more likely options.

Game-time at Leeds may be slightly more in contention than at Fulham, especially if they go up this season. Fulham would present Ayala's best chance at being a first-team regular, and he could even help them to promotion this season.

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