Middlesbrough will face decisions over the futures of a number of players in the summer.
With several players out of contract at the end of this season, decisions will have to be made over which individuals will be kept at The Riverside Stadium.
There is also the issue of loan players. Currently there are four loanees available to Michael Carrick in his first-team squad.
As a result, there may be questions about whether Middlesbrough should pursue fresh deals for ay of those players.
Now it seems as though there is some belief, that when it comes to Luke Ayling, a new deal should well be on the cards.
Middlesbrough told to give Luke Ayling a new contract
January saw Ayling head to The Riverside Stadium, joining on loan until the end of the season.
The right-back made the move from Leeds United, where his contract is set to expire in the summer.
That of course, means he will be a free agent by the summer. Now, Middlesbrough fan and journalist Phil Spencer has suggested the club should take advantage of that, by offering a contract to the 32-year-old.
Taking to X to give his thoughts on the possibility of a new contract for Ayling, he said:
“I’d give Luke Ayling a contract beyond the summer. His legs may have gone slightly, but he’s a quality operator, a leader and a class act both on and off the pitch – something that we need moving forward. If he can adapt his game a tad, he could be a big player.”
Middlesbrough are currently 11th in the Championship, eight points adrift of the play-off places. They are next in action away at Birmingham City on Tuesday night.
New Luke Ayling contract could make sense
It could be a sensible move for ‘Boro to give Ayling a new contract come the summer.
After a mixed start to his time with the club, the right-back is now starting to make a positive impact for the club.
He has now provided two assists in his last two Middlesbrough games, winning praise for his contributions in the process.
If this move can continue to bring the best out of him, that could make him an important player to keep around the club.
Indeed, he does have experience of success at this level from his time with Leeds United. Given Middlesbrough are a club that want to get back to the Premier League, that could make having his insight and pedigree very useful.
Beyond that, Ayling will be available on a free transfer this summer, with his contract at Elland Road expiring.
That will also reduce the financial risk of a move such as this. With all that in mind, it would therefore seem to make sense for Middlesbrough to look to secure an extended deal for Ayling come the summer.