Andrea Radrizzani was speaking shortly after completing his full takeover of Leeds United.
Leeds United manager Garry Monk is currently out of contract this summer
Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani has confirmed to Radio Yorkshire that he intends to extend Garry Monk’s contract at Elland Road and hopes to potentially discuss a longer-term deal with the Whites boss.
Radrizzani completed his buy-out of Massimo Cellino’s shares in the club in recent days. And while events on the pitch this past season have meant that the club have attracted a lot less negative publicity in recent times, there is no question that the Italian still has plenty of work to do.
Radrizzani completed his buy-out of Massimo Cellino’s shares in recent days
Monk’s contract at Elland Road expires at the end of the month, but the performance of his side during his year in charge has meant that many fans feel that handing the current boss an extension is as important as any piece of business the club are likely to complete this summer.
But Radrizzani has looked to reassure supporters by insisting that resolving Monk’s future is a priority and that he is optimistic about keeping the former Swansea boss at the club.
Leeds have enjoyed an extremely bright season under Monk
“My priority, in terms of action, is define a new agreement with Garry Monk, and then to build together the squad for next season, this is my immediate and short-term task,” he told Radio Yorkshire.
“This is my desire, so we can take the option and keep him for another year, I would like to do it. This week is the last week available so we will do it and I express that our position is also to eventually discuss a longer period,” he added, when asked whether he was confident about keeping Monk.
After weeks of speculation that has seen Monk linked with the exit (via The Sun) and actually being handed a five-year deal (via The Sun), supporters will surely delighted to have heard Radrizzani actually offer some clarity on the situation.
Leeds enjoyed by far their best campaign for a number of years this past season, coming desperately close to securing a top six spot, and many supporters will surely feel that keeping Monk is likely to greatly enhance their chances of building upon the promise they showed.
It seems that Radrizzani is thinking the same thing.
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