Daniel Ayala will be forced to take a pay cut if he is to stay with Middlesbrough this summer.
That's the view of Teesside Live editor Phil Tallentire who has been discussing the defender's future.
Ayala is out of contract in the summer and with no agreement on the horizon it leaves his Middlesbrough future very much in doubt.
The Spaniard is regarded as one of Jonathan Woodgate's key players however the financial situation at the club means that the hierarchy are trying desperately to trim the wage bill.
Jonathan Woodgate has hinted that the likes of Jonny Howson and George Friend - who are also out of contract this summer - are likely to pen new deals, however for Ayala it may be a much more nerve-wracking wait for supporters.
Writing in Teesside Live's Q&A, Tallentire said: "Some deals are closer than others.
"Jonathan Woodgate stated last week that he expected Jonny Howson to be a Boro player next season.
"The Boro has also indicated that George Friend will agree a new deal. The experienced 32-year-old defender is thought to be keen to stay on Teesside.
"However, Dani Ayala’s situation is more complicated.
"His current salary is way beyond what Boro want to pay in their new wage structure.
"That leaves the Spaniard with a choice of taking a pay cut or leaving in the summer.
"He may decide his best option is to become a free agent and wait for the offers to come in while also leaving Boro’s offer on the table.
"But it’s also the case that he likes playing for Boro and he’s settled in the area."
The verdict
The future of Daniel Ayala looks like it won't be decided until the summer.
The defender is undoubtedly a key player under Jonathan Woodgate and would be seen as a massive part of the club's next chapter.
However at the end of the day money talks.
Ayala has been a loyal servant to the club and if he decides to move on for a fresh challenge then his decision should be respected.
