TURKISH side Galatasaray are leading the race to sign out-of-favour Middlesbrough centre-half Daniel Ayala.

Ayala is expected to leave the Riverside this month, having tumbled down the Boro pecking order since playing a pivotal role in last season's successful promotion push.

Boro officials have fielded a number of inquiries about his potential availability, with Galatasaray currently displaying the strongest interest.

Galatasaray started the month hoping to sign Genclerbirligi's Ahmet Calik, but have concluded they will not be able to agree a deal with one of their rivals.

As a result, they have turned their attentions to Ayala, and are hoping to push through a deal for the 26-year-old.

Ayala has not made a first-team appearance for Boro since October 22, and is keen to leave Teesside this month in order to get his career back on track.