It's been a poor start to the season for Middlesbrough who will need all of the experience they have to get themselves out of trouble.

That's why the speculation regarding the future of Daniel Ayala is particularly unwelcome.

According to reports from TEAMtalk, the Spaniard is attracting interest from Leeds United, Stoke City and Fulham, with the trio eyeing a January move.

Ayala is out of contract next summer which means that January could be Middlesbrough's last chance to recoup a fee for the defender.

So what can we make of his situation at the Riverside Stadium amid the latest rumours.

Tackling today's Six Pointer is Phil Spencer...

Why hasn't Daniel Ayala signed a new contract?

"Quite simply the reason he hasn't signed a contract is down to finances.

"Middlesbrough are in a position where they're having to cut their cloth in order to comply with Financial Fair Play which means a real need to reduce the wage bill.

"Several players, including Daniel Ayala, are on what you'd call 'Premier League wages', meaning that there's a real need to either move players on or agree to significantly reduced terms in order to stay at the Riverside."

Does he want to stay with Middlesbrough?

"Daniel Ayala admitted to Teesside Live last week that he'd like to stay at Middlesbrough.

"The Spaniard has been with the club for five years and been a key player under several managers at the Riverside Stadium, making him a real fans' favourite at the club.

"Ayala also admitted that his family love living in the North East which could certainly play a big part any decision he makes regarding his future."

Could the defender leave the club in the January transfer window?

"It's certainly a possibility.

"You'd expect that Middlesbrough will be holding talks with Daniel Ayala regarding his future to decide whether a potential deal can agreed regarding a new contract.

"If it looks like terms can't be agreed regarding a new deal, the Teessiders could look to cash in as a way of recouping a fee for the defender who would otherwise leave for nothing next summer.

"But if talks are ongoing with Middlesbrough still holding hope that a deal can be agreed, it's unlikely that they'd look to sell their star defender."

What would be a reasonable fee for Daniel Ayala?

"It's a difficult one as Daniel Ayala's contract situation certainly means that any transfer in January would be done for a cut-price fee.

"At 29, the Spaniard is very much in his prime, and after spending the last five years as a first team regular with Middlesbrough there's bound to be significant interest in the defender.

"As far as a transfer fee is concerned, you could maybe expect Middlesbrough to entertain offers in the region of £3-4million for a player with six months left on his contract."

Which of the interested parties would Daniel Ayala suit best?

"While Daniel Ayala is certainly a player who would be an asset to any team in the Championship, he very much fits the mould of a no-nonsense defender.

"That means that for certain clubs, he may not be the correct profile of player for their team moving forward.

"Leeds United and Fulham put a real emphasis on playing out from the back and retaining possession - something which perhaps isn't Ayala's strongest suit.

"Out of the teams who have been linked, I'd imagine that Stoke City could be the best fit as a team who will be looking for proven Championship experience with players who have been there and done it.

"The fact that they're still receiving parachute payments also means that they could potentially offer a higher wage packet than other clubs in the league."

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How do you expect the situation to play out?

"The fact that Daniel Ayala has said he'd like to stay at Middlesbrough is a huge positive for supporters. However the fact that he'd need to take a significant pay cut will certainly test his commitment to the Teessiders.

"Ayala will no doubt be looking for an opportunity that gives him the best possible chance of getting another bite of the cherry in the Premier League, and if that means moving away from Middlesbrough then perhaps that's what he'll do.

"It's going to be a couple of seasons before Jonathan Woodgate's side can even think about mounting a push for the top flight, and at 29 years of age, Ayala may see it as the ideal time to move on to a club who are better positioned to challenge.

"While the idea of a player 'selling out' is not appealing for supporters, it's also worth bearing in mind that at the age of 29 this is likely to be the last long-term contract that the Spaniard will sign, meaning that he's well within his rights to hold out for the highest bid.

"Ultimately it depends what his priorities are, as if his focus is on his family life then you'd expect him to do everything that he can to stay at Middlesbrough, however if it's finance and ambition which drive the decision, then you'd imagine that there will be more attractive proposals than Middlesbrough's on the table."