Middlesbrough are one of the most in-form sides in the Championship at the moment and are making a late surge for the play-offs.
The Teeside outfit have picked up six wins from their last 10 fixtures, which places them fourth in the form table.
Though, because of their inconsistent nature for much of the campaign, they have it all to do in the remaining five games.
Boro currently reside in eighth and have a six-point gap to surmount on Norwich City, who occupy sixth, so they’ll have to be near perfect in the run-in.
One player has been key to their recent rise in form and he’s surely played himself into landing a new deal at the club.
Luke Ayling deserves Middlesbrough contract
Luke Ayling joined Middlesbrough during the January transfer window on loan from fellow Championship outfit Leeds United.
After his game time became limited in West Yorkshire, Ayling decided to leave the club he’d spent the last seven and a half years at in a bid for more regular football.
It was a brave step but one that is paying dividends now after making a ‘big impact’ in Michael Carrick‘s starting line-up.
The veteran right-back has made 15 Championship appearances for Boro and has only suffered defeat in four of those fixtures, which is a pretty impressive record.
The Riverside club seemed to have become more consistent following Ayling’s arrival and that may well be down to his vast experience.
Having featured in Leeds’ promotion-winning campaign during 2019/20, he’s well-equipped to deal with the mounting pressures that can arise, particularly heading into the run-in.
Aylign, without a doubt, deserves a contract offer from Middlesbrough and he could join for free.
Luke Ayling could join Middlesbrough for free
Ayling’s Leeds contract is set to expire at the end of June, making him a free agent, if indeed The Whites opt against renewing it.
So Boro may well be able to land his services on a free transfer, which would represent fantastic business given the level he’s played at.
The 32-year-old has made 93 appearances in the Premier League, which is an invaluable experience to have in the changing room.
Further, considering Middlesbrough won’t have to fork out millions on a transfer fee, it’ll free up funds to invest elsewhere in the squad.
With the way Ayling has performed since joining the Teeside club, signing him in the summer is a no-brainer.