Keeping Bartley will be key to Monk’s plans if he stays as boss
GARRY MONK is likely to make Kyle Bartley his top summer transfer target if agreement can be reached over remaining as Leeds United manager.
The 38-year-old is expected to sit down with Andrea Radrizanni this week for talks over extending his stay at Elland Road.
Providing there are no hiccoughs, Monk will then press on with his plans to strengthen ahead of next season.
Asked if he signing defender Bartley on a permanent deal was part of those plans, Monk replied: “Of course. Kyle has been tremendous this season.
“Obviously, I have got experience with Kyle and I know him very well. But he would be the first to tell you that this has been by far his best season and by far his best progression as a footballer.
“He’s come on leaps and bounds, on and off the pitch. There’s been improvement from everyone here and that’s a big stepping stone. It was important the club had that.”
Paul Warne, the Rotherham United manager, is hoping later this week to make his first signing since being confirmed in the job.
The Millers need to rebuild after a desperate campaign that saw relegation confirmed with seven games remaining and Warne wants to get on with things.
“This week I might, hopefully, be getting one over the line,” he said. “A few are involved in playoffs, so you can’t contact their clubs and say, ‘Do you mind if we take him?’ You have to show a bit of courtesy.
“The majority of those we are going for, I am pleased with, and the majority of the team I have got here who I want to keep I am pleased with as well. I think they will be competitive in League One.”
Doncaster Rovers, joining Rotherham in the third tier, have made loanee Niall Mason’s switch from Aston Villa permanent on a two-year deal. DEFEAT to the Premier League’s bottom club in the third last game of the season proved fatal to Hull City’s survival hopes two years ago.
Burnley were the opposition that day, so when already relegated Sunderland left the KCOM Stadium with all three points on Saturday to dump the Tigers back in the relegation zone it was perhaps understandable that parallels would be drawn between the two.
Ahmed Elmohamady, however, insists there will be no repeat this time around after being part of that team relegated under Steve Bruce in 2015.
“This is a different situation to two years ago,” said the Egyptian international. “Back then, we had a very tough last couple of games – Tottenham away and then Manchester United at home. Now, it is different and we can pick ourselves up to get the results we need.”
Hull head to Crystal Palace on Sunday, a day after Swansea will have taken on Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.
Victory for the Welsh club would leave Marco Silva’s men knowing that defeat at Selhurst Park will confirm a return to the Championship.
“The thing to remember is this is not over,” added Elmohamady.
“There are two games to go and we have to keep our heads up. Sunderland is gone, the next game is the most important. We have to keep our heads up and concentrate on that game.
“The manager said exactly that after the Sunderland game was over. We have to look forward. The most important thing is we go there to Palace and get the win.”
Ryan Mason made a welcome return to the KCOM last weekend as he continues to recover from the fractured neck he suffered in January.
Elmohamady added: “It is a long way back, but he is a great lad and seeing him back was great.