Leeds be warned: Middlesbrough offer three new deals – Exclusive
Middlesbrough have offered new contracts to Jonny Howson, George Friend and Leeds United target Daniel Ayala, Football Insider can reveal.
The trio are all out of contract this summer and their futures at the Riverside Stadium are up in the air.
A Boro source has told Football Insider that deals of between two and three years have been offered to centre-back Ayala, left-back Friend and midfielder Howson.
All are long-serving members of the side, with associations stretching back seven, eight and three years respectively.
Jonathan Woodgate regards them as key members of his team and places a high value on their pedigree and experience.
Football Insider revealed yesterday that Leeds have made Ayala one of their top targets in the next window as they look to sign a new centre-back.
The 29-year-old has made 23 Championship starts among 25 appearances for Middlesbrough this season but has not played since New Year’s Day due to an ankle injury.
He is back in training and expected to play a key role when the campaign restarts next week.
Friend, 32, has missed most of this season with two serious injuries but remains the first choice left-back when fit.
Howson, also 32, has been a mainstay of the side this term and started 33 league matches among 35 appearances in all competitions.
He made his name at Leeds after graduating from their academy but has spent the last eight years at Norwich City and, then, Boro.
In other Leeds United news, a Whites senior player is set to be at a south-east club next season after buying a new house.