Jonny Howson shares the key reason why he opted to move to Middlesbrough

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Middlesbrough beat off competition from Leeds United to sign Jonny Howson from Norwich City.

Jonny Howson has admitted to the Northern Echo that Garry Monk was a major factor behind his move to Middlesbrough.

Howson opted to leave Norwich City to move to Boro earlier in the transfer window, despite interest from Leeds United, as reported by the Daily Mail.

And it seems that Leeds would have had a far greater chance of encouraging Howson to make a return, if they had kept hold of Monk.

“I was aware of the work the manager did last season, and there were many reasons why I decided to join,” Howson said. “The strength of the squad was a big one though – I believe it’s potentially the best team in the division, and we’re certainly capable of going straight back up.

“That, along with the work the manager has done, were the main reasons why I was interested.”

Monk helped Leeds finish in seventh place in the Championship last season, as they surpassed expectations.

However, the 38-year-old boss could not agree a new contract at Elland Road and decided to move to Boro instead.

Monk’s departure from Leeds came as shock, and it seems that the arrival of former Swansea City boss at the Riverside Stadium encouraged Howson to follow him to Teeside.

Howson is expected to have a big role to play at Boro, who are among the favourites to earn promotion over the upcoming campaign.

Leeds, meanwhile, have appointed Thomas Christiansen and made nine new signings this summer.