FORMER Saints defender Garry Monk has resigned from his position as manager of Championship side Leeds United.

Monk, who played for Saints between 1998 and 2003, has left Elland Road after missing out on the play offs in the second tier.

His availability will undoubtedly turn the heads of a number of clubs in the market for a new manager.

After Sam Allardyce's departure, Crystal Palace are aiming to bring a new man in, while Watford are also hunting for a replacement boss after sacking Marco Mazzarri.

Newly-relegated sides Sunderland and Middlesbrough are also looking to recruit a new chief.

A Leeds statement said: "[We] can confirm that we have received Garry Monk’s resignation from his role as first team manager.

"We are shocked and disappointed by Garry’s decision but his resignation has been reluctantly accepted by Chairman Andrea Radrizzani.

"Andrea made it clear to the media yesterday that his intention was to exercise the Club's option to extended the manager's contract for another 12 months and immediately begin negotiations for a longer term deal.

"Mr Radrizzani has met with Garry twice since taking over at Elland Road earlier this week and during the second meeting yesterday it became clear that Garry was considering life beyond Leeds United as at no time did Garry wish to discuss terms for a longer contract.

"Following that meeting yesterday Garry’s agent requested that the option was not exercised and his resignation was received this morning.

"Whilst we are deeply saddened by Garry’s decision, there is no individual bigger than our Club and we will now begin a process to identify and appoint a new Head Coach to take the club to the next level.

"We thank Garry for his contribution during his time at Leeds United, we are disappointed that would could not continue on this journey together."