LEEDS LINE UP KARANKA AS MONK QUITS

GARRY MONK last night said he was ‘hugely disappointed’ to resign as Leeds manager after failing to agree a new deal. Monk’s decision, just two days after Andrea Radrizzani’s takeover was completed, leaves sacked Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka as the favourite to take over with his Boro technical director Victor Orta. Radrizzani intended to exercise the option of another year’s contract for Monk (right) before working on a new three-year deal but Sportsmail understands Monk held reservations about a perceived lack of commitment from the club and questioned the need to trigger an extension rather than discuss a longer contract immediately. Monk said in a statement: ‘It is with huge disappointment that my time with Leeds has come to an end. My intention was always to stay at this fantastic club for many years to come. However, ultimately no agreement could be reached.’ Middlesbrough and Sunderland, both relegated from the Premier League, are interested in appointing Monk, whose name has also been mentioned at Southampton should they cut ties with Claude Puel. Monk took over at Leeds last summer and was a game away from the sack earlier in the season, with former owner Massimo Cellino frustrated with results and performances. However, they turned their fortunes around and just missed out on the Championship play-offs A Leeds statement read: ‘Andrea made it clear to the media yesterday that 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. ‘It became clear yesterday that 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 that the option was not exercised and his resignation was received this morning. ‘We will now begin a process to identify and appoint a new head coach to take the club to the next level.’ Karanka knows new Leeds director Ivan Bravo from his time at Real Madrid, his family still live in the North East and he wants to remain in English football.