According to The Hartepool Mail, Daniel Ayala will have to take a pay-cut to stay at Middlesbrough, amid reported interest from Leeds United.
The Daily Star claimed in March that Leeds are interested in signing Ayala in the summer transfer window.
The 29-year-old centre-back is out of contract at Middlesbrough at the end of the season, and the Whites want to sign regardless of which division they play in next season, according to the report.
Marcelo Bielsa’s side are aiming to clinch automatic promotion from the Championship to the Premier League at the end of the season.