Leeds United are said to be confident that they'll be able to keep Pablo Hernandez at Elland Road next season, despite interest from his former manager Garry Monk.

Monk, currently in charge of struggling Birmingham, is said to represent the only serious threat to Leeds when it comes to keeping the popular 32-year old at the club, according to the TEAMtalk's James Marshment.

The Spaniard is the only player currently without a deal running beyond the current season, but is also one of the few players to have held his head high throughout the recent collapse at the club. He scored their only goal of the game against Sunderland, as well as the winner against Bolton Wanderers a week ago.

In all he's scored nine from 39 starts, a far better return from his attacking midfield position than the strikers.

It was Monk who brought him to Elland Road, initially on loan, in the summer of 2016. His stay was made permanent six months later.

The Verdict

It is going to be a heated two-horse race between the clubs for the talented midfielder's services. Leeds might be confident, but football is a fast moving game and if Birmingham stay up, they can't be discounted from the transfer chase. It will be an intriguing few weeks, that is for sure.