According to the Yorkshire Evening Post, Norwich City midfielder Jonny Howson has rejected a new contract, which has given Leeds United a big boost in their pursuit of the 29-year-old.

What's the story?

Howson still has two years left on his current deal with Norwich, but according to the Yorkshire Evening Post, the midfielder has turned down the chance to sign a new contract.

It has been claimed that Howson wants to return to the North of England with his young family, with former club Leeds very much in the hunt for a player that came through their academy system.

Sunderland and Middlesbrough, who were both relegated from the Premier League last season, are also believed to be monitoring proceedings in a player that could command a transfer figure of £4m.

Howson swapped Leeds for Norwich in January 2012, and the 29-year-old scored six times and registered seven assists for the Canaries in the 2016-17 Championship season.

In total, he has made 174 appearances for Norwich since arriving at Carrow Road.

Could Leeds secure an emotional return?

It will certainly be difficult for Leeds to fight off interest from the likes of Middlesbrough and Sunderland, who will both be confident of challenging for promotion next season.

Leeds only just missed out on the playoffs during the 2016-17 campaign, however, and will feel that the return of Howson would give them a much better chance of finishing in the top six next term.

The midfielder joined Leeds in 1997, spending nine years in the youth system before making his first-team debut during the 2006-07 campaign.

Howson also represented Leeds in League One for three straight seasons between 2007 and 2010, before enjoying his best goalscoring campaign at the club in 2010-11 - netting 11 times in all competitions, including 10 Championship goals.

It has been a difficult few years for Leeds, who are searching for a new manager following the departure of Garry Monk, but re-signing crowd favourite Howson would be a big boost for the new campaign.