Middlesbrough have made a strong bid for Jonny Howson as Garry Monk steps up his pursuit of the Norwich midfielder.
Monk is determined to take Howson to the Riverside and Norwich are willing to sell but want upwards of £6million. Boro’s offer is some way short of that at the moment but negations are expected to continue.
The 29-year-old has Premier League experience and two years left on his contract and while the Carrow Road club are looking to tighten budgets they will not sell for less than market value.
Howson’s old club Leeds are also in the reckoning but the biggest challenge to Boro is expected to come from Burnley, who have registered an interest and may need to replace Belgian midfielder Steven Defour.