Middlesbrough chairman Steve Gibson is reportedly eyeing talks with the Leeds United manager.
Leeds United manager Gary Monk
Middlesbrough are said to want to talk to Garry Monk, after the Leeds United boss became Steve Gibson’s number one target for the vacant manager’s position.
Monk is out of contract at Elland Road this summer and his departure would come as a huge blow to fans of the Whites.
But things could get even worse for Monk’s current employers, with the following three players sure to feature on the 38-year-old’s list of targets if he is to make the move north.
David Stockdale
The out-of-contract goalkeeper has yet to commit to newly-promoted Brighton & Hove Albion, amid interest from several clubs including Leeds and Middlesbrough. With Brad Guzan leaving and Victor Valdes and Dimi Konstantopoulos expected to follow, Monk may look to get one over the Whites if he lands the gig. Having said that Stockdale is a Leeds fan.
Kyle Bartley
After an impressive loan spell at Leeds, the centre-back is back at Swansea, whose manager seems to want to keep it that way. Bartley and Monk go way back, however, and the former will likely fancy another stint under his ex-Swans colleague if he cannot secure a first team spot at the Liberty Stadium. With Boro’s own loan star Calum Chambers returning to Arsenal and Ben Gibson attracting interest, Bartley’s position could be one in need of strengthening.
Chris Wood
Alvaro Negredo’s departure, which follows those of Jordan Rhodes and David Nugent in January, has left Middlesbrough short up front heading into the summer. Wood could be first on Monk’s list after scoring 30 goals for Leeds this past season, but is unlikely to come cheap. Several Premier League sides have also been linked, with a fee ranging from £15-20 million being quoted – one that Boro might be able to afford if someone like Gibson is sold.
Is the Leeds boss the man required to lead Middlesbrough back to the Premier League?
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
