Leeds United fear losing skipper Jonny Howson to Premier League vultures.

The likes of Bolton Wanderers and Blackburn Rovers are keeping tabs on Howson's contract talks.

The Mirror says manager Simon Grayson is desperate to hang on to the 23-year-old, but knows he will lose him on a free unless he agrees to put pen to paper on a new deal.

Elland Road chief ­executive Shaun ­Harvey confirmed: "Discussions have been ongoing since the August ­transfer window shut.

"We have made an ­offer to Jonny and we are waiting for a response."