Leeds are still looking to extend the deal of current manager Garry Monk despite reported interest in Aitor Karanka, according to reliable journalist Phil Hay.
TEAMtalk claimed on Wednesday that chairman Andrea Radrizzani was considering the Spaniard as the club’s next manager if a new deal with last summer appointment Monk can’t be agreed.
However, Yorkshire Evening post chief football writer Hay looked to assure fans on his personal Twitter account, stating that a 12 month option was “likely” to be activated this week for Monk with talks about a longer deal “still to come”.
as you were. Leeds set to activate 12 months option to stop him becoming free agent. Monk not willing to settle for 12 months
— Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) May 24, 2017
12 month option likely to be activated this week. Talks about a longer deal still to come. Monk wants a longer deal. Very clear about that
— Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) May 24, 2017
Orta in line to be technical director. He and Karanka close so Karanka bound to be linked. But Leeds looking to extend Monk deal
— Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) May 24, 2017
Monk has proven highly successful at Leeds since being appointed manager last summer following the sacking of Steve Evans.
He has helped the club progress from 13th place to 7th in just one season and now supporters are urging the club to sign him to a new long-term deal.
Meanwhile, Karanka lost his job at Middlesbrough in March after taking the north east club back into the Premier League last summer.
The Riverside stadium outfit struggled in the top-flight and have since been relegated back to the Championship.
Both Leeds and Middlesbrough are now set to face each other in the league next season and while Monk himself has been linked with a move to Boro, supporters of the Yorkshire giants will be hoping he is on their touchline.