The Mirror understands that Middlesbrough are closing in on the £5million signing of Norwich City midfielder Jonny Howson. The 29-year-old was also wanted by former club Leeds United, but it appears ex-Leeds head coach Garry Monk is set to win the race.
Howson is said to be looking to leave Carrow Road after over four years with the club, keen to return closer to his family in the north of the country. This quickly alerted several clubs in this geographical area, most notably Boro and Leeds, but the Riverside Stadium club are set to win this respective battle.
With parachute payments in full effect following relegation from a Premier League, Middlesbrough are able to offer a better financial offer more suitable to both player and his current club. The player himself is said to have set his heart on returning to Elland Road, but Boro chairman Steve Gibson has released big funds for Monk to build a squad capable of challenging for instant promotion back into the Premier League.
Under the management of Daniel Farke, the Canaries are downsizing as their parachute payments come to an end. Norwich have already started to add fresh faces to their squad, including additions in the central midfielder area, which is Howson’s position. Monk is a long-time admirer of the Leeds-born performer, and is surely set to be a pivotal part of the Middlesbrough starting eleven next season. A deal should go through relatively quickly as all concerned are eager to get this one over the line as soon as possible.
