By Harry Sykes
Leeds United co-owner Andrea Radrizzani has made Norwich midfielder Jonny Howson his priority signing this summer, according to a report.
The Sun claim that sports media tycoon is “the number one target” of sports media tycoon Radrizzani as he seals a deal for full control of the Yorkshire giants.
It is said that the businessman wants Leeds academy product Howson back at Elland Road to spearhead the club’s push for promotion next season.
The Sun report that the bidding for the central midfielder, 28, could start at £4million given his calibre and the fact he has two years remaining on his Norwich contract.
Radrizzani is close to buying out the half-share of fellow joint-owner Massimo Cellino and taking total ownership of Leeds. He predicted last week that the deal would be completed by the end of May.
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 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.
A £4million bid would be a huge one by Leeds’ standards of the last decade-and-a-half, as they have not spent that much money on a player since the signings of Robbie Fowler and Seth Johnson in the autumn of 2001.
Leeds are likely to overhaul their midfield ranks this summer after falling short in their promotion bid during the recently completed Championship campaign.
In other Leeds United transfer news, rivals have stepped aside to give the Yorkshire giants a clear path to the summer signing of a £3million player of the year striker.
We’ve launched a << BREAKING NEWS FEED>> exclusively for your club. ‘Like Us’ on Facebook by clicking here if you want 24/7 updates on all Leeds United breaking news.