Phil Hay reports in the YEP that the club are awaiting a response from Howson’s representatives after proposing to extend the midfielder’s deal.
Howson, an England U-21 international, is in the last 12 months of his contract and could become a free agent when he reaches his 24th birthday in May.
He is potentially vulnerable to rival interest but Leeds confirmed today that they are in negotiations to secure the future of a player who has appeared more than 200 times for the club since emerging from their academy in 2006.
“Discussions have been ongoing for a period of time and since the transfer window shut,” said United chief executive Shaun Harvey. “We’ve made an offer to Jonny and we’re waiting for a response.”
Howson signed a new contract with Leeds shortly after their defeat in the League One play-off final in 2008, and United’s promotion from the Championship last year activated a clause which automatically extended his deal by a further 12 months, to the summer of 2012.
The 23-year-old was installed as club captain by manager Simon Grayson this summer following a long stint as vice-captain.
Harvey, meanwhile, also confirmed contract talks have also opened, or were set to begin, with other prominent members of United’s first-team squad.
“Discussions with all of those players who we’d want – and who you’d expect us to want – to keep beyond the end of their existing contracts have taken place and or will commence shortly,” he said.
Source: FOOTYMAD
