Monk delivers ultimatum to Leeds chiefs, shares how many signings he wants by Tuesday
By Alex Stevens
Garry Monk has intensified the pressure on Leeds chiefs by revealing he wants two new signings by next Tuesday’s transfer cut-off.
The manager delivered the ultimatum to the new-look Elland Road board after admitting that Alex Mowatt is on the verge of leaving.
Speaking on Friday afternoon, Monk explained that he is prepared for Mowatt to be sold – it has been reported that the midfielder has agreed a two-and-a-half year contract with Barnsley – if the players he has identified arrive in the next four days.
“We definitely need two, but it will only be players that can add quality,” said Monk, as quoted by the Yorkshire Evening Post.
The Leeds manager admitted that Mowatt’s transfer to their Yorkshire and Championship rivals but stressed that he would only accept it if there were new arrivals as a result.
“It was something that I was made aware of a couple of days ago – that there was interest in him,” said Monk, when asked about Mowatt to the Yorkshire Evening Post.
“And then I was told last night that it was pretty far down the line. If that’s the case then no problem.
“The most important thing for me in this window is that we strengthen the squad, not weaken it.
“With Alex, if it’s done, then I can only assume that the club are 100 per cent sure that the players we have talked about are going to come through the door as soon as possible.”
Monk’s comments appear designed to make clear his stance that he expects to be back by co-owners Massimo Cellino and Andrea Radrizzani in the final days of the window.
Leeds are pushing strongly for a return to the Premier League on the back of a string of impressive results either side of the new year that has even given them a shout at a two-two finish that would secure automatic promotion.
Monk has said that is prioritising a new striker this month, with the Yorkshire giants consistently linked with West Ham fringe man Ashley Fletcher.
The impending sale of Mowatt comes after the manager insisted earlier this month that no first-teamers would leave Leeds in the winter window.
That promise has fallen flat by Monk’s own admission as the 21-year-old academy product, who has been a regular member of the matchday squad and has accumulated 20 appearances this season, is now heading out the exit door.
In other Leeds news, there has been a finale in a major deal after a £7million Leeds bid was tabled.
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