Norwich City look likely to let the wantaway Jonny Howson get his wish – and former club Leeds United could have competition from Sunderland.
Norwich’s Jonny Howson scoring a typically spectacular goal
Jonny Howson may have two years left to run on his current contract at Norwich City but it appears increasingly likely that the Morley-born midfielder will be returning to his Northern roots this summer.
According to the Eastern Daily Press, Howson has rejected the offer of a new deal at Carrow Road, meaning Norwich will reluctantly listen to offers for their 2016 Player of the Season.
As such, this has inevitably raised hopes among Leeds United supporters that their homegrown hero, a former captain of the club, will be making an emotional return this summer.
Rising through Leeds’ Thorpe Arch ranks to become the youngest skipper since the legendary Billy Bremner, Howson would certainly be welcomed back with open arms at Elland Road and the report adds that The Whites tested the water with a recent £4 million bid.
However, the Eastern Daily Press claims that recently relegated Sunderland may be a more likely destination, with the debt-ridden Wearsiders still likely to offer Howson more money than his boyhood club.
Needless to say, Leeds could be kicking themselves if they miss an opportunity to bring the 29-year-old back to West Yorkshire.
Sunderland, like Leeds, are crying out for a midfielder with Howson’s eye for the spectacular. With six goals and seven assists for Norwich in 2016/17, his long-range piledrivers and superb passing range could add an extra attacking dimension to a side lacking in cutting edge.
And with Sunderland and Leeds both hoping to challenge for the play-offs at least next season, Howson’s next destination could be potentially be the difference between a heart-wrenching near-miss or a return to the promised land.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
