Has Jonny Howson had his head turned by Leeds United?

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Norwich City midfielder Jonny Howson has been linked with a return to Leeds United.

Elland Road

Despite a tumultuous week, there is plenty of reason for Leeds United fans to be hopeful for the future.

Garry Monk may not have wanted to play a part in it, but one highly regarded figure who could do is former club captain Jonny Howson.

The evidence is circumstantial, but Leeds fans are entitled to be optimistic that the former academy ace could have his sights set on a glorious Elland Road homecoming.

Teamtalk exclusively reported on May 17 that Leeds United were plotting a £4 million move to bring Howson back to the club after a five year spell at Norwich City.

Now the Eastern Daily Press report Norwich have decided they will sell Howson after he rejected an offer of a new contract.

Norwich’s Jonny Howson scores

It is claimed he wants to return North with his family, although Leeds are not the only club interested.

It is though legitimate to ask whether news of Leeds United’s desire have led to his stance, and there is good reason for Howson to believe now is the right time for him to return to Yorkshire.

The 29-year-old has one major contract left in him, and this is his best chance to head back to Leeds while at his peak.

He could still return in his mid-30s, but would he really want to return when he would be a shadow of the player he once was and risk struggling to recapture his former glories?

Jonny Howson celebrates scoring for Leeds United

Howson has already achieved his goal of playing in the Premier League with Norwich, and clearly feels like he needs a new challenge.

For the first time since Howson left, Leeds are a side which are genuinely competitive as promotion contenders.

It would require a big financial commitment from new owner Andrea Radrizzani to meet Norwich’s asking price, which the Eastern Daily Press report is in excess of £4 million, but it is hard to believe Howson would turn them down if Leeds put up the money.

With new owner Radrizzani left wrong footed by Garry Monk’s exit, re-signing Howson for a big fee would be the perfect remedy to convince fans he really is thee right man for the huge task ahead.

Norwich’s Jonny Howson celebrates