The 2016/17 campaign saw Garry Monk take Leeds United to the brink of qualifying for the Sky Bet Championship’s play-offs, defying all odds and competing with the division’s elite for large parts of the season.

However, Leeds fell short in their quest for a top-six finish, and an unexpected turn of events has seen Monk quit Elland Road for Middlesbrough, where he will again be looking to mount a promotion push with his new employers.

Monk has been linked with taking various players from his Leeds squad to the Riverside Stadium this summer, with Swansea City’s Kyle Bartley heavily linked, after a successful loan spell at Elland Road last season, saw him become one of the Championship’s most solid performers.

Another player who has been linked with a move to Boro is Leeds’ captain Liam Bridcutt, a player who has an excellent reputation, but is not the type of player Monk needs at the Riverside Stadium.

The 28-year old is an excellent central midfielder, and has shown during his 18-months with Leeds that he is an exceptional talent to have at your disposal in the Championship.

However, Boro’s main area for concern in the last 12-months has been their attack, and after scoring just 27 goals during the 2016/17 campaign, Monk needs to strengthen his attacking options.

Added to that, Grant Leadbitter and Adam Clayton offer Monk heaps of Championship experience in central midfield, also having a promotion campaign already under their belts, following their part in Boro’s promotion in 2016, when the pair made 41 and 43 league appearances respectively.

It is easy to understand why Monk may be looking at his ex-squad to look for players he could sign this summer. However, Bridcutt is one player he should not pursue, with Boro’s options in central midfield more than capable of mounting a promotion challenge and other areas in desperate need of additions.