Garry Monk is set to return to Leeds United to swoop for coach James Beattie as he builds his Middlesbrough backroom staff, according to the Sun.
The newspaper claim that Elland Road first-team coach Beattie is “likely” to join Monk at the Riverside Stadium soon after his appointment.
Monk was named the new Boro manager on Friday and was unveiled to the media on Monday after signing a three-year contract.
Ex-striker Beattie, 39, is set to make the same journey from Yorkshire to the north-east despite his influence over the transformation of forward Chris Wood, who ended the 2016-17 campaign as the 27-goal leading scorer in the Championship.
Like Monk and Leeds assistant manager Pep Clotet, Beattie signed a one-year contract last summer when Monk was appointed as Steve Evans’ successor at Leeds.
Monk sent shockwaves through the Elland Road faithful when he handed in his resignation two-and-a-half weeks ago after a season in which the fortunes of the team had been transformed and they mounted a genuine promotion challenge before a final-month collapse meant they ended in seventh in the Championship.
The 38-year-old has wasted little time in securing his third managerial post as he aims to steer Boro to instant promotion following their relegation from the Premier League.
Leeds have not yet appointed a new manager but sole owner Andrea Radrizzani began interviewing candidates last week.
Spaniard Victor Sanchez is the current bookmakers’ favourite, ahead of Alan Pardew and Espanyol manager Quique Sanchez Flores.