Middlesbrough have won the race for Norwich City midfielder Jonny Howson.

https://twitter.com/nickmashiter/status/882192123910656000

Middlesbrough are closing in on the signing of Norwich City midfielder Jonny Howson, according to reports.

Press Association Sport claim on Tuesday lunchtime Boro have met the Canaries’ valuation for the 29-year-old, who was Garry Monk’s top target this summer. Discussions had been on-going since Monk’s arrival in the north-east, with boyhood club Leeds believed to be unable to compete financially in a £5m race for the player.

Howson had been touted with a return to Elland Road ever since it emerged he had turned down City’s offer of a new contract.

City could find themselves with a completely new-look central midfield this season with Graham Dorrans’ move to Rangers reaching the end-game. Reports north of the border claim Rangers have made a £1.5m bid, but it is understood the actual offer is short of this with discussions now in the advanced stages.