Norwich have had a bid accepted for Leeds United midfielder and captain Jonny Howson.

The npower Championship club confirmed they had "reluctantly" accepted an offer for the 23-year-old, whose deal at Elland Road expires in the summer.

A statement on the club's website read: "The club has reluctantly accepted the offer on the basis that the player only has six months of his current contract remaining and has expressed a desire to play Premier League football at the earliest opportunity."

Howson has been out of action since December because of a knee injury, and Leeds revealed their disappointment at not being able to tie the former England Under-21 international down on a longer deal.

"The club has been in discussions with the player about a new contract at Elland Road for more than 12 months, but he has been steadfast in his position that he would like the opportunity to play Premier League football," the statement continued.

"On that basis, Jonny hasn't felt in a position to commit himself to Leeds United at this moment in time.

"The player would be able to leave on a free transfer at the end of his current contract.

"While accepting the offer on Tuesday, the player has still to agree terms with Norwich and we are disappointed the matter has become public at this stage."

Norwich signed Bradley Johnson on a free transfer from Leeds in the summer after the midfielder's contract with the Yorkshire club had expired.

Norwich later confirmed a deal had been agreed with Leeds, but the move was not yet complete.

A club statement read: "City can confirm that they have had an offer accepted from Leeds United for their captain and midfielder Jonathan Howson.

"The move is still subject to the player completing a stringent medical and agreeing personal terms at Carrow Road."

Canaries' manager Paul Lambert masterminded back-to-back promotions from npower League One after taking over at Carrow Road, with many of the current squad having come up through the divisions.

Like Johnson, summer signings Steve Morison, Anthony Pilkington and Elliott Bennett have all made a successful transition into the top flight.

The Norwich boss, though, admitted he was unsure how many more times he could tap hungry talent from down the pyramid.

"The lads we've got at the minute came from the lower leagues and the Championship, as everybody knows. I'm just not sure how many are left out there to go and find," Lambert said.

"The group need a hand and this is a huge season for the football club.

"We want to stay in the Premier League and get more finances from it, and that's the reality of it.

"I'll do everything I can to get people in, but if not I'll go with the group I've already gone with."