Middlesbrough transfer news: European giants target star defender

Middlesbrough out-of-favour centre-back Daniel Ayala has been linked with a move to Galatasaray, according to the Northern Echo.

The Spanish defender has struggled to find playing time at the Riverside this season and is expected to leave this month.

Per-the-source, Middlesbrough have offered out the defender to  a number of potential suitors with Galatasaray currently displaying the strongest interest.

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Galatasaray are currently on the look out for a new centre-back following the long-term injury to summer signing Serdar Aziz. Aziz has been ruled out for the rest of the season leaving the Lions light on options at the back.

The Northern Echo goes onto state that Ayala – who hasn’t made an appearance for Boro since October 22 – is keen to leave the Riverside this month.

Galatasaray sit in third place in the league with 33 points after 16 games and are three points behind leaders Istanbul Basaksehir. The Istanbul giants take on Konyaspor in their next league encounter on January 15.