Middlesbrough have tabled a bid for Jonny Howson as they aim to beat Leeds United to the signing of the Norwich midfielder, according to the Mail.
The newspaper claim that Boro have lodged a “strong” offer for the Elland Road academy product as manager Garry Monk steps up his attempt to win the race for him this summer.
The Mail report that the bid is still some way short of Norwich’s valuation of the 29-year-old but talks are set to continue to thrash out a deal.
It is said that Leeds are also firmly in the race to re-sign a player who spent six years i their senior ranks before quitting for Norwich in 2012, while they is also strong competition from Premier League club Burnley.
Howson, who has two years remaining on his Norwich contract, is expected to be sold during the current window as the Championship outfit tighten their belts following failure to secure instant promotion back to the top flight last season.
He is reported to be keen to work for Monk, who resigned as Leeds manager at the end of last season after steering them to a creditable seventh-place finish before taking over at the Riverside Stadium.
Morley-reared Howson is a huge favourite among Leeds fans after emerging from the club’s ranks to start his professional career there and going on to make 219 appearances as well as captain the side.
He quit for Norwich in 2012 and has also been an influential player at the Championship club, scoring 23 goals from midfield in 188 games.
His 2016-17 statistics at Carrow Road are also impressive, with 38 league matches yielding six goals and providing eight assists.