Leeds United looking to improve squad 'in all areas' says Garry Monk

Leeds United are continuing to pursue further signings during the summer transfer window and are seeking to improve in "all areas" according to manager Garry Monk. The new Whites boss marked his first game at the helm with a 2-1 win over Shelbourne, before claiming the club's business in the off-season is far from complete.

Six players have arrived at Elland Road this summer since the appointment of Monk in June. Marcus Antonsson, Robert Green and Kemar Roofe have signed on a permanent deals, while Kyle Bartley, Hadi Sacko and Matt Grimes have agreed loan moves to the West Yorkshire club.

The signings come amid a summer of significant change at Leeds, with 12 players having left the club since the exit of Steve Evans, including the sale of Lewis Cook to AFC Bournemouth. Monk, however, says additional changes are imminent and that the club are working hard to improve the squad further before the season starts on 5 August.

Monk was forced to partner Toumani Diagouraga and Luke Murphy in the centre of the defence in the absence of Liam Cooper and Gaetano Berardi, but it is not just centre-backs the ex-Swansea City coach is targeting. "That was affected a little bit by Liam and Bera being out but we're looking at all areas, at the squad completely," he said, according to the Yorkshire Evening Post. "I've made it very clear what I think and what areas we need to strengthen and the club are working hard behind the scenes.

"It's a process and every manager would like to have everything sort on the day they turn up, but it doesn't work like that. You have to work with the club, within the constraints, and find a way to bring in the players you need."

Goals from Souleymane Doukara and new addition Sacko helped Leeds claim victory on their first pre-season appearance. Monk was encouraged with the performance, but maintains there is room for improvement.

"I'm happy with certain elements," the Leeds boss added. "Quite naturally there's a little bit of rustiness at this stage but it's the first game and their first minutes on the pitch. It's a good result but it wasn't really the result I was looking at. There were good periods of the game where I saw things that I liked and there are other bits that we need to improve on.

"Of course we need to get better but we will do for sure. We just have to fine-tune things as games come along but some of what I saw I was pleased with. The club understands that we need to strengthen the squad, but we're confident that we'll get to the right place."