Howson Set For New Deal

Last updated : 27 May 2008 By Kevin Markey
The club hope to secure the 20-year-old's future by tying him to an extended deal following his contribution to the club's first season in League One.

Negotiations with the midfielder's representatives have been delayed by Leeds' involvement in the League One play-offs, but United hope to agree a deal with Howson, allaying any fears that other clubs may tempt him away from Elland Road this summer.

Ken Bates told the YEP: "We're planning to give Jonny Howson a new contract, and if it hadn't been for the play-offs it's something we would have looked at already. Obviously there have been other priorities and we've had to delay discussions slightly, but we'll look to sort it out quickly."

Leeds agreed a three-year deal with Howson in October of last year, but the Morley-born academy product was on the fringes of the first-team squad at the time having made a total of 18 appearances.

He has since, however, played in all but one of the 20 matches during Gary McAllister's reign as boss - missing only the 2-1 win over Gillingham on the last day of the regular League One season - and he scored both goals during the play-off semi-final victory over Carlisle United at Brunton Park on May 15.
He is set to be rewarded for his recent performances with a more substantial and lucrative contract.