Ayala training with EFL club after Blackburn Rovers exit
Former Blackburn Rovers defender Daniel Ayala is training with Bristol Rovers in his search for a new club.
The Spaniard left Rovers at the end of his contract in the summer and has, surprisingly, not signed up with a new club yet. Ayala was popular figure at Ewood Park but his wages and injury record made Rovers opt against renewing his deal.
The 32-year-old has been on the search for new employers since the summer. He has been courted by Championship clubs and was speaking to Rotherham United at one stage in September but nothing came of
Now, the defender is training with Joey Barton’s Bristol Rovers as he looks to earn a deal. The League One side are aiming for promotion this season and see the experienced centre-back as a potential option to bolster their options at the back, report Bristol Live.
READ MORE: Ryan Nelsen Q&A
The report states the Gas are in need of extra options at the back with Barton’s options extremely limited following injuries to James Wilson and Brentford loanee Tristan Crama. Connor Taylor is their only fit, recognised centre-back at present which has prompted them to look at free agents
It’s said that the Ayala’s links to Bristol Rovers defender George Friend has prompted the trial. The pair played together at Middlesbrough in the Premier League and the Championship.
Ayala made 58 appearances in total at Ewood Park, with 26 of those coming under Jon Dahl Tomasson. That was the most he has featured for Rovers, having played 22 and 10 times in the previous two years.
The defender hinted that he would like to stay in England after leaving Rovers. He was open to signing a new deal at Ewood Park and spoke about how his family was settled in the North of England. He also made over 200 appearances for Boro over a five-year period.
