The former Leeds United and Middlesbrough manager was sworn in at Birmingham City this week.
Former Middlesbrough and Leeds United boss Garry Monk has been handed a third crack at Championship management with Birmingham City.
And while Monk’s immediate task will be to keep the Blues afloat, he would not have signed a three-year deal had he expected to fail.
The 39-year-old will surely, then, have a list of targets ready for the summer transfer window – could the following players feature on it?
Marvin Johnson [Middlesbrough]
Birmingham were among the clubs linked with a move for Johnson, who was born and raised in the Second City, during last summer’s transfer window. However, they, along with a string of other alleged suitors – including Leeds – were beaten to the winger’s £2.5 million signing by Monk’s Middlesbrough. Johnson – whose ability to play left-back may interest Blues – appeared in 16 of a possible 18 league games during Monk’s reign, but only one in his absence and could be available.
Liam Bridcutt [Nottingham Forest]
Signed by the Birmingham boss at Leeds last season, Bridcutt was regular when fit but left for Nottingham Forest after failing to impress Monk’s successor, Thomas Christiansen. And the defensive midfielder appears to have made a similar impression on Aitor Karanka, who could be persuaded to cash in.
Oli McBurnie [Swansea City]
Brought to Swansea by Monk three years ago, Leeds-born McBurnie is finally flourishing on loan to Birmingham’s relegation rivals Barnsley. The 21-year-old has scored five in six for the Tykes – including two against Blues last month – which is more than all but two of City’s players have managed all season. And Monk will surely register an interest if Swansea make him available again this summer.
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