Rams want Ayala next season

Derby County are keen to take Liverpool defender Daniel Ayala on loan again next season.

The Rams plan to ask Liverpool about the possibility of the Spaniard making a return to Pride Park in the 2011-12 campaign.

Ayala's current loan runs to the end of the season and he has impressed since he joined Derby in February.

He has made nine appearances, including eight consecutive starts in a partnership with Shaun Barker at centre back. His composure in possession for a 20-year-old defender has caught the eye and last week he made his debut for the Spanish Under-21 side in a friendly against France in Reims.

Derby have been pleased with the way he has settled in and with his contribution in helping the team pick up valuable points.

The Rams had won only once in a dozen matches before Ayala arrived but, in the last eight games, they have won twice and drawn three.

"Is there a possibility we could see him back on loan next season? We are going to make that inquiry, certainly," said manager Nigel Clough.

"We will be speaking to Liverpool to see if there is any possibility of that happening. The only thing is that they (Liverpool) don't usually make those decisions until August.

"We need some players in before that, and we certainly need another centre half in.

"Daniel has shown us enough during his time here and we would like to take him as a loan as well next season."

Ayala will not play for Spain's under-21 team against Belarus tonight as an entirely different squad has been selected from the one which faced France last week.

Source: Derby Telegraph

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