GOODBYE LEEDS ..HELLO BORO

Monk snubs new deal and could be off to Riverside

GARRY MONK quit Leeds yesterday and is wanted by Middlesbrough.

His departure, despite a long-term contract being on the table, could see former Boro boss Aitor Karanka replacing him at Elland Road. Nigel Pearson is also on a three-man shortlist at the Riverside Stadium. Monk resigned hours after a clause to extend his stay was automatically triggered, only for it to be cancelled, meaning he is available without a £750,000 “transfer fee”.

Leeds were bought last week by Andrea Radrizzani, who wanted to keep Monk. The former Swansea boss won 22 of his 46 games at United, but was not convinced by his plans.

Leeds said last night: “Andrea made it clear his intention was to exercise the club’s option to extend the manager’s contract for another 12 months and immediately begin negotiations for a longer term deal.

“Mr Radrizzani met with Garry twice since taking over earlier this week and during the second meeting it became clear Garry was considering life beyond Leeds United as at no time did Garry wish to discuss terms for a longer contract. Following that meeting yesterday Garry’s agent requested the option was not exercised and his resignation was received this morning.”

Monk was former Leeds owner Massimo Cellino’s sixth manager in three years. Leeds missed out on the promotion play-offs by one place.

Karanka, axed in March as Boro slipped to relegation, has the experience of guiding them into the top flight and knows new Leeds director Ivan Bravo from Real Madrid.