‘Monk wanted longer commitment’

Garry Monk resigned as Leeds manager because he did not feel the club had any real intention to keep him long-term, sources have told Sky Sports News HQ.

Monk had been involved in extended talks over his future in which new owner Andrea Radrizzani signalled his intention to trigger a 12-month extension to his current deal.

But during those discussions, Sky Sports News HQ understands the 37-year-old came to believe that Leeds had no intention of extending his deal beyond those 12 months.

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As a result, Monk is understood to have been unconvinced of their future intentions and decided it would be better for him to leave Elland Road.

Sky Sports News HQ understands Monk was keen to remain as Leeds boss and is disappointed, especially after Radrizzani said in January he wanted to offer Monk a new deal following the team’s progression into credible promotion-chasers.

Sky sources have also claimed that Leeds were making plans for the future but keeping Monk out of the loop on subjects such as new directors and transfers in and out of the club this summer.

Radrizzani has claimed on social media that he hoped to agree a three-year deal with Monk and is “shocked” at his decision to resign.

Leeds finished seventh this season, narrowly missing out on the Sky Bet Championship play-offs by five points.