Reports: Garry Monk to be Middlesbrough boss

Odds-makers likely nailed this one on the head as several media outlets have reported former Leeds United boss Garry Monk will become the next manager for recently-relegated Middlesbrough.

Monk resigned as the Whites’ manager in May after a stint of meetings with new owner Andrea Radrizzani. At that time, the two sides failed to reach a long-term agreement as Radrizzani was only willing to extend Monk’s contract by 12 months.

Leeds landed Monk after he managed Swansea City in the Premier League from 2014 to 2015 and led the Whites to a seventh-place finish in the Championship this past season. Leeds United was on the cusp of making the Championship playoffs, or even being promoted outright, but failed to close out the season.

He will replace Aitor Karanka who led Middlesbrough to the Premier League last season but failed to compete this season, winning just five games in the top tier last season. After being let go, Middlesbrough named Steve Agnew manager on a temporary basis.

The BBC reported Friday that former Southampton and Everton striker James Beattie will join Monk at Riverside Stadium. Beattie had been with Monk on staff at Leeds.

Additionally, Karanka is being rumored to be a top contender for Monk’s old job at Elland Road.

In case you were interested in the actual odds.

Of course, another question arises from this development: What becomes of Leeds striker Chris Wood? Does he stay, or does he leave Elland Road?