Garry Monk wanted by relegated Middlesbrough and Hull after walking out of Leeds job
Former Swansea boss enjoyed a successful spell at Elland Road but disagreed with new owner's plans
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GARRY MONK left Leeds looking for their EIGHTH boss in THREE years after sensationally quitting Elland Road last night.
And now Middlesbrough and Hull are locked in a tug-of-war over the 38-year-old’s services.
Both clubs want to talk to him after he walked out of United following 11 months at the helm.
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Monk felt undermined by new sole owner Andrea Radrizzani’s plan to bring in a technical director to work alongside him.
In a statement, the former Swansea chief said: “It is with huge disappointment that my time at Leeds has come to an end.
“My intention was always to remain at Leeds and I saw myself at this fantastic club for many years to come.
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“However, after discussions with the new owner, we have unfortunately been unable to agree a suitable way for us to all move forward together.
“I’d like to think this season we gave the loyal fans and the city of Leeds a team and a club of which they can once again feel proud.
“I’m sure that the many foundations we have put in place here can be built upon and it’s my desire to see this amazing club back in the Premier League, where it belongs.”
Monk, 38, is one of the names on Boro chairman Steve Gibson’s shortlist, alongside Nigel Pearson, while Hull are keen after Marco Silva’s resignation.
Spaniard Victor Orta is being lined up as Leeds’ technical director after being axed as relegated Middlesbrough’s head of recruitment earlier this week.
And his imminent appointment makes ex-Boro chief Aitor Karanka clear favourite to take over at the Championship side.
Karanka and his countryman Orta worked closely together at the Riverside before the 43-year-old was fired as Boro boss in March — and now they are set to team up again.
But Italian businessman Radrizzani, 42, was still left reeling by Monk’s exit, which came just 2½ weeks after guiding Leeds to their most successful season since being relegated from the Premier League 13 years ago.
Radrizzani, who completed his Elland Road takeover by buying up former owner Massimo Cellino’s 50 per cent stake in the club, declared: “Shocking news from Garry Monk.
“We were keen to do a three-year deal with Garry and we were not expecting today’s events.
“We never received any request from him and his agent. But no regrets, we did our best.”
In a club statement, Leeds added: “We are shocked and disappointed by Garry’s decision, but his resignation has reluctantly been accepted.
“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 as at no time did he wish to discuss terms for a longer contract.
“While we are deeply saddened by Garry’s decision, there is no individual bigger than our club and we shall now begin a process to identify and appoint a new head coach.”
Monk won 25 and lost 17 of his 53 games in charge and led Leeds to a seventh-placed finish this term.
And he could be in line for a rapid return to management, with Crystal Palace, Watford and Sunderland also potential destinations.