Leeds keen to extend Monk’s deal

LEEDS UNITED have looked to exercise a one-year option to extend the contract of manager Garry Monk, and will enter into discussions on a new deal to run beyond that period,

Sportsmail can reveal. The Championship club was yesterday taken over by Andrea Radrizzani, and the Italian businessman will look to tie down Monk for another season. Controversial owner Massimo Cellino has left the club after his fellow Italian bought out his 50 per cent stake. Radrizzani’s takeover brings an end to Cellino’s turbulent three-year association with the Elland Road club, and the new chairman said: ‘I am delighted to have the opportunity to become a custodian of this great football club. The heritage and history of Leeds United attracted me to the club and having spent time at games and at Thorp Arch, I can see that we are ready to move forward to the next level.’ Radrizzani, 42, bought a 50 per cent stake in the club through his company Aser Group Holding in January and it has been widely reported he had the

option of completing a 100 per cent takeover at the end of the season if Leeds failed to win promotion. The club missed out on the Championship play-offs in the final weeks of the season despite occupying a top-six position for the majority of the campaign. ‘This is a long-term commitment,’ added Radrizzani. ‘There is a lot of hard work ahead of us and I am aware of my responsibilities as owner of Leeds United. I can assure all supporters that everyone at this club will be doing all we can to build a successful team at Elland Road.’