Monk in top-flight window

GARRY MONK has rocked Leeds by quitting as manager and could now find himself in the running for a Premier League job.

Leeds were taken over on Tuesday, with Italian Andrea Radrizzani replacing Massimo Cellino. Radrizzani had planned to trigger a one-year option to keep Monk at Elland Road with a view to negotiating a longer contract.

But Monk, below, has told Leeds he will not be staying beyond the end of his deal next month and has left with no compensation.

With Crystal Palace and Watford looking for new managers – Sam Allardyce having also quit this month and the Hornets sacking Walter Mazzarri before the end of the season – Monk could find himself back in the Premier League two years after being sacked by Swansea. Monk said in a statement: “My intention was always to remain at Leeds. After discussions with the new owner, we have unfortunately been unable to agree a suitable way for us all to move forward together.”

Radrizzani said on Twitter: “Shocking news from Garry Monk. We were keen to do three-year deal. We never received any request from him and his agent. No regrets, we did our best.”

Monk had a fruitful first season in charge and took Leeds from perennial mid-table fodder to play-off contenders until their charge faded over the final month.

Last night Leeds said in a statement: “Mr Radrizzani has met with Garry twice since taking over at Elland Road earlier this week and during the second meeting yesterday it became clear that Garry was considering life beyond Leeds United, as at no time did he wish to discuss terms for a longer contract.”

Former Middlesbrough boss Aitor Karanka is the early favourite to replace Monk. Alan Pardew and Nigel Pearson, both out of work, have also been mentioned, and Monk has been linked with the Middlesbrough job.