Garry Monk set for sit-down with new Leeds United owner

The Italian businessman completed a deal to buy a 50 per cent stake in the Elland Road club three days ago.

Radrizzani publicly praised Monk for the manner in which he has transformed United’s fortunes during a hugely encouraging first half of the season.

Leeds will take a break from the Championship on Monday when a tricky FA Cup third-round tie awaits the Yorkshire club at Cambridge United in front of the live BT Sport cameras.

Once that is out of the way, Monk expects to sit down with Radrizanni and Massimo Cellino to talk through the club’s plans for the window.

“I met him briefly earlier in the season and, of course, we were aware over recent months that this was a possibility,” said the Leeds head coach. “He was very impressive, even in that short brief meeting.

“I think it is really positive news for the club. He clearly has the passion to take this club forward and that is really good to hear.

“He speaks with good passion and I think his experience and also his contacts within this industry are key.

“You get the sense that he has come in to push this club forward with an ambitious approach.

“I am looking forward to next week, sitting down with the two owners and seeing what their ambitions are to go forward and how they are approaching it. I am sure it will all be geared towards pushing this club forward.”

Since arriving last summer, Monk has overhauled a squad that had been failing miserably under his predecessors.

The overhauling continued yesterday when Luke Murphy, with just one League Cup appearance to his name all season, was loaned to Burton Albion.

Asked how the arrival of Radrizzani might impact on United’s likely transfer business this month, Monk reasoned: “I have already talked about it in terms of nothing drastic is needed.

“But we definitely need one or two to help this squad and give them the best chance. That’s a constant thing anyway.

“But of course speaking to the two owners next week and their views on going forward and how we go about it, part of that will be those discussions as well.

“January is not the easiest window to do your business with, but the club are fully aware of what I feel that we need with the squad and they are working as hard as they can behind the scenes to make sure that can happen.”