Carlos Carvalhal faces perhaps the biggest summer of his career so far, as he looks to make the necessary changes to his Sheffield Wednesday squad so the Owls can forget the play-off disappointment of the last two seasons, and again fight for promotion in the Sky Bet Championship.

Wednesday’s defence seems to be an area that Carvalhal is looking to strengthen this summer, with Grant Hanley and Daniel Ayala both recently linked with making the move to Hillsborough.

Middlesbrough’s Ayala could be the perfect signing for Wednesday, to add to impressive central-defensive options that already include Glenn Loovens and Tom Lees.

Ayala found opportunities limited at the Riverside Stadium last season in the Premier League, and Garry Monk, Middlesbrough’s new manager, is reportedly looking to sign Kyle Bartley this summer from Swansea City, which could limit Ayala further.

Should the 26-year old move to Hillsborough, he will find himself competing with Loovens and Lees for a starting berth, meaning he will not be a guaranteed starter for Wednesday.

However, Ayala could play a significant role in Carvalhal’s squad, particularly with the Championship and promotion experience he has from his time with Boro - along with providing the first-choice duo with some healthy competition.

During the 2015/16 campaign, Ayala made 35 league appearances for Boro, as the club finished second in the Championship and gained promotion to the Premier League.

That kind of experience could be vital within Carvalhal’s squad next season, and if Wednesday can offer Ayala a guarantee he will compete with Loovens and Lees, then club and player could be a perfect fit heading into next season.