Middlesbrough have seen off interest from Sunderland to secure the signing of Jonny Howson, barring any late hitches, it has been claimed.
Norwich City have been willing to sell Howson for the right price this summer and the midfielder has been strongly linked with a return to former club Leeds United.
But it is two former Leeds managers who have been leading the race for Howson, with Boro boss Garry Monk and Sunderland manager Simon Grayson both keen on the influential midfielder.
According to the Press Association, it is Middlesbrough who have won the race.
Barring any late complications or developments, the 29-year-old is expected to complete a move to the Riverside Stadium, where he will link up with Monk.
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Howson's move to Boro could be a bitter pill for Leeds fans to swallow after Monk chose to quit Elland Road to take over at Middlesbrough, believing the Riverside Stadium outfit are a better bet for promotion.
The midfielder came through the youth ranks at Leeds and starred for the Whites before a 2012 switch to Norwich.
