Jonny Howson rejects new Norwich deal

Former Leeds United captain and local “legend” Jonny Howson has apparently rejected a new deal from Norwich City and is reportedly looking to head back north to be closer to his family.

The Yorkshire Evening Post is reporting that Norwich is listening to offers for the 29 year old midfielder, but it is likely that Howson will not come cheap. While most Leeds fans will want to see the captain come back to the club, the price that other clubs are willing to pay, and what Norwich is willing to accept, and wage demands from the player may just price him out of the reach of Leeds.

Normally, the chance to bring a beloved player back to Elland Road would be a slam-dunk. Leeds was forced to sell Howson in the first place, as at the time it was reported that Howson wished to play in the Premiership and Norwich’s £2 million bid was accepted by Leeds, with Howson going on to play five and a half seasons with the Canaries.

Leeds have been linked with a £4 million bid for Howson, but it remains to be seen if the deal makes sense for the player and the club. If the price goes above £4 million, it might get too expensive for new owner Radrizzani and new director of football Victor Orta. Bringing back Howson would, of course, be a brilliant coup for the new guys in charge of the Whites, but bringing back a popular ex-player who has decided to move on doesn’t always work out like the fans hope. For example, ask West Ham United fans about Joe Cole’s return to Upton Park. It was great to see Cole in the claret and blue again, but it just wasn’t the same.

So if Howson ends up at Burnley or one of the clubs with the “parachute” money from their stay in the Premier League (Sunderland or Middlesbrough) don’t be shocked or surprised. Everyone remembers the good times with Howson, but don’t let the ultimate goal of promotion be sidetracked by overspending for a former player, even if that player is Howson.