Former Leeds United captain Richard Naylor is likely to be in demand from Yorkshire clubs after indicating he wants to stay in the area.

The vastly experienced central defender was released by his home-town club at the end of a frustrating season in which he was out injured for a long spell after knee surgery. Although he is taking his UEFA B coaching badge this summer, Naylor is keen to carry on playing for a couple of years and is weighing up his options.

He said: “Of course I am disappointed to be leaving but I will see what is out there and make a decision, although my family are settled in Leeds and that’s important.

He is keen to avoid severing his links with Leeds United completely and says he would fancy coaching United's youngsters in the evening if the club agree to the idea.

Meanwhile, Jonny Howson will learn on Monday whether he is included in England’s 23-strong squad for the European Under 21 Championships in Denmark next month.

Morley-born Howson, who was named in Stuart Pearce’s initial squad, was Leeds’ only ever-present during the season just ended and was made captain at Elland Road during Richard Naylor’s long absence through injury.

Depending on who manager Simon Grayson recruits during the summer, Howson may be given the captain’s role on a permanent basis now that Naylor has been told he won’t be offered a new deal when his contract expires on June 30.