Leeds United are ready to make a move for former Middlesbrough boss Aitor Karanka to replace Garry Monk, and he is odds-on for the head coach role at Elland Road.

Italian Andrea Radrizzani has just completed his take-over at Elland Road, and he has already wasted little time in putting together the team he wants off-the-field.

Middlesbrough’s recently departed head of recruitment Victor Orta has been offered the role as technical director, and on the back of that he is understood to have recommended Karanka to come in as coach and Radrizzani is keen.

I understand Leeds are now waiting for Orta to take up their offer, which he is clear to do after Boro confirmed his exit earlier this week.

@PhilHayYEP Shocking news from GM. We were keen to do 3 years deal.We never receive any request from him and his agent. No regrets, we did our best #mot

— Andrea Radrizzani (@andrearadri) May 25, 2017

And now with Monk resigning his post, Karanka – who is based in Yorkshire already following his time with Boro – could be ready to come in.

The Spaniard, who saw his Boro squad relegated after just one season in the Premier League, was sacked in March with the Teessiders heading for the drop – but it is his previous two years in the Championship that is appealing to Leeds.

He guided Boro to a play-off final defeat before an automatic promotion the following season and Leeds are craving that kind of success, after missing out on the play-offs this season.

BetVictor make Karanka just 7/4 to be the next man through the door at Leeds.

Ironically, Monk could be heading to Karanka’s former club Middlesbrough – who have been impressed by the former Swansea boss.

Monk is already as short as Evens to be Boro boss next season with SkyBet, with former Boro captain Nigel Pearson, his closest rival in the betting market at 5/2.

Sources close to Monk’s camp have refused to rule out a move to Middlesbrough, when asked.