A number of reports are linking Garry Monk with the managerial vacancy at Middlesbrough, with the 38-year old favourite with the bookmakers to make the move to the Riverside Stadium following his resignation as Leeds United’s head-coach.

Monk will find a club on their way back to the Sky Bet Championship, but still in a position to challenge for a Premier League return next season.

As with all relegated clubs, there will be room for change within the playing squad and Middlesbrough are no different.

One change that may be forced upon Monk, should he find himself appointed as Boro’s manager this summer, is in central defence, with Ben Gibson surely destined to remain in the Premier League next season.

Should Gibson leave the Riverside Stadium, Monk must look to reunite with Kyle Bartley, who impressed in the Championship for Leeds during the 2016/17 campaign.

Bartley made 50 appearances for the Whites across all competitions, scoring six goals and establishing himself as a fans’ favourite at Elland Road, as Leeds went within touching distance of qualifying for the play-offs.

The 26-year old has since returned to Swansea City, his parent-club, with it still not clear where Bartley will be playing his football next season, as he has just one-year remaining on his contract at the Liberty Stadium and Leeds no further in their quest to bring him back to Elland Road.

Should Monk find himself at the Riverside Stadium this summer, he must try to re-sign Bartley, who if he can rediscover his form from the 2016/17 season, could be the catalyst Boro need to gain an instant return to the Premier League.