MONK TO SPLASH CASH

GARRY MONK has been handed an eight-figure warchest to fire MIDDLESBROUGH back into the Premier League – and he will use it to make a raid on former club LEEDS.

The new Riverside chief (left) wants to add Kyle Bartley and Charlie Taylor to his ranks with more than £20million believed to be available to him. Bartley spent last season on loan at Leeds from Swansea, and was one of their stand-out performers.

SWANSEA want £7.5m for the defender in what is likely to be the first of several significant market moves.

Left-back Taylor, 23, is out of contract, but Leeds would be due compensation. A number of Premier League clubs – including WEST BROM and BURNLEY – have been keen and Monk is unlikely to get all his own way.

Monk has also been linked with Leeds striker Chris Wood, but NOTTINGHAM FOREST’s Britt Assombalonga is said to be their preferred option. JOHN TERRY is set to cash in on a bitter battle between the two Chinese owners of ASTON VILLA and BIRMINGHAM CITY.

CHELSEA