Leeds United: In-demand Howson rejects new deal with Canaries

COME AND GET ME: Jonny Howson has rejected Norwich City's offer of a new deal.

LEEDS UNITED have been handed a potential green light to sign former captain Jonny Howson should they be interested after the 29-year-old rejected Norwich City's offer of a new deal.

Whites Academy graduate Howson made over 200 appearances for Leeds but left for the Canaries for around £2m in January 2012 when Norwich were in the Premier League.

But the Morley-born footballer has now rejected the club’s offer of a new contract and is believed to want to return north with his young family.

Norwich will now reluctantly listen to offers according to reports.

Howson has two years left on his current deal and the Canaries are thought to want well in excess of £4m for his services.

But relegated north-east sides Middlesbrough and Sunderland are among the clubs that could provide Leeds with potential opposition should the Whites bid to secure the midfielder’s services.

Premier League side Burnley are another club linked with a move for the midfielder who made 225 appearances for the Whites between July 2006 and January 2012.