Norwich City manager Chris Hughton has hinted that he is unclear over Daniel Ayala's future with the club.
The 22-year-old defender, who spent last season on loan at Nottingham Forest, has been linked with a loan switch to Middlesbrough.
Hughton has admitted that it is important for Ayala to be playing regular football.
He told the Pink Un: "We are making assessments of the whole squad. We have brought in eight players now but we have had more go the other way so we have to get the balances right.
"Dani is someone who went out on loan last season but came back and I have to say looked very good in pre-season training and he has been involved from day one this summer.
"That is one we are assessing, but it is important for him to get games at his age."
Ayala joined the Canaries from Liverpool in 2011.
