Middlesbrough are reportedly at the front of the queue to sign Jonny Howson from Norwich City after being given permission to open negotiations.
The 29-year-old has already been linked with a string of Championship clubs this summer, including a potential return to former side Leeds United.
Boro are said to have met Norwich's £5m valuation of the former England Under-21s international, however, and have now begun talks over a summer transfer.
The Northern Echo claims that Howson has forced the Canaries' hand somewhat by knocking back the offer of a new contract, meaning that they risk losing him for nothing further down the line.
Boro boss Garry Monk is apparently prepared to offload midfield duo Gaston Ramirez and Stewart Downing, meanwhile, freeing up some further space.
