Leeds manager Garry Monk had told owner Andrea Radrizzani he had no intention of discussing a new contract before handing in his resignation, it has been confirmed.
The Championship club announced on their official website on Thursday morning that they had both ‘received’ and ‘reluctantly accepted’ the resignation of Monk.
The 38-year-old was out of contract this summer, but Leeds were keen to strike a new agreement with the former Swansea chief that would see him remain at Elland Road for the considerable future.
Talks had been ongoing between Monk and Radrizzani during the last week over his future at the club, with Radrizzani admitting he planned to exercise a 12-month option to extend the manager’s contract.
But it has since been revealed that Monk had told the United owner on Wednesday that he had little intention on discussing fresh terms with the club, and had set his sights on life beyond Leeds.
Radio Yorkshire correspondent Joe Rawson had claimed on his personal Twitter account on Wednesday that Monk was set to demand a three-year extension, which was more than Radrizzani initially had in mind.
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However, that appeared at the time to be a mere setback with talks expected to continue over the coming days, but it is now confirmed that the two parties have gone their separate ways.
Monk’s future was the next item on the agenda to be resolved after owner Andrea Radrizzani took full control of the club earlier this week.
Radrizzani succeeded in acquiring the remaining 50 per cent at Elland Road from much-maligned owner Massimo Cellino, who departs after a turbulent three-year reign.
However, the club have revealed they have been left ‘shocked’ and ‘disappointed’ by Monk’s emphatic decision, and must now turn their attention to finding a suitable successor.
Monk was a big hit with the Leeds fans after leading them to the brink of promotion back to the Premier League during the 2016-17 season, only for a late decline in form to see them finish seventh in the Championship and miss out on the play-offs.