Norwich agree fee for Leeds captain Jonny Howson

Norwich City have agreed a fee for Leeds United captain Jonny Howson, despite the Championship club being 'reluctant' to sell the midfielder.

The Canaries are due to hold talks with the 23-year-old, who has been vocal about his desire to play in the Premier League.

A statement on Leeds' official website said: "Leeds have reluctantly accepted the offer on the basis that the player only has six months of his current contract remaining and has expressed a desire that he would like to play Premier League football at the earliest opportunity.

"The club has been in discussions with the player about a new contract at Elland Road for more than 12 months, but he has been steadfast in his position that he would like the opportunity to play Premier League football and on that basis Jonny hasn't felt in a position to commit himself to Leeds United at this moment in time.

"The player would be able to leave on a free transfer at the end of his current contract. While accepting the offer on Tuesday the player has still to agree terms with Norwich and we are disappointed the matter has become public at this stage."

The transfer comes following Norwich boss Paul Lambert's claims that the Premier League side were unlikely to sign any players in the January window.