Michael Carrick makes claim regarding Leeds United loanee's Middlesbrough future | OneFootball

Middlesbrough boss Michael Carrick has said he is not yet thinking about a permanent summer move for Luke Ayling.

Ayling joined Boro on loan from Leeds United during the January transfer window and has since gone on to make 15 Championship appearances for Carrick's side, impressing of late.

With Ayling's Leeds United contract due to expire in the summer, he is set to be available on a free transfer come the end of June.

Michael Carrick on Luke Ayling's future

Despite that fact, Boro boss Carrick has remained coy on a potential permanent move for the 32-year-old this summer.

Indeed, Carrick insists he is not looking at Ayling as being in the shop window or judging him with a future contract in mind, whilst at the same time, the Boro boss did not rule out a future move.

Instead, Carrick's comments suggest he is very much focused on the present and a strong finish to the season.

“There’s always things you can do better and always things that you’re doing well. That’s just how it is," Carrick explained on Ayling, via The Northern Echo.

"In my mind, he’s certainly not up on stage or the shop window in terms of judging him like that.

"All of the players in that group at this moment are our players, whether they’re on loan or not, however long they have left on their contract or whatever it is.

At this moment in time, he’s our player and we’ll definitely look to make the most of that."

Carrick on Luke Ayling's Middlesbrough loan

Despite the noncommittal response above, Carrick was full of praise for Ayling when quizzed on his Middlesbrough stint so far.

Carrick feels the experienced defender has added plenty to his side as they continue to push for an unlikely spot in the play-offs.

"He's done very well and settled really quickly. He obviously hadn’t played a lot before he came in," Carrick explained on Ayling, via The Northern Echo.

"He added a bit of personality and character to the group and that kind of seen it, knows what it takes to have success in this league experience. That’s important to have and we wanted to add that ingredient to the group. He’s done very well.

“Experience is vital when used in the right way and a positive way.

"These situations that we find ourselves in now, you’ve got to embrace it and don’t put anything else on it to what’s needed. It is what it is. You play to be involved in games that do matter, and this one certainly does."

Luke Ayling's Leeds United contract

As touched upon above, Luke Ayling's current contract at Leeds United is due to expire at the end of June. Given that he was deemed surplus to requirements in January, it seems unlikely a new deal will come at Elland Road.

As such, it is likely Ayling will be available on a free transfer this summer.

Given he is currently on loan at Middlesbrough, a move there permanently would make sense, but if they do not want him, Ayling certainly won't be short of options.