Exclusive: Bolton and Blackpool Plot Move for Veteran Midfielder Jonny Howson

League One clubs Bolton Wanderers and Blackpool are looking to offer veteran midfielder Jonny Howson a lifeline for next season, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.

The 37-year-old left Middlesbrough this week after eight seasons with the Championship club.

Now the Trotters and Seasiders are hoping to entice the free agent, who has over 750 career appearances under his belt, to Lancashire ahead of their respective quests to win Championship promotion this season.

Former Boro skipper Howson joined the Teeside club in a £6 million deal in July 2017 and went on to make 341 appearances for the club across eight seasons.

The former Leeds United and Norwich City man chipped in with ten goals during his long association with Boro, but it was his role as a holding midfielder which made him a fans’ favourite at the club.

Howson previously enjoyed four seasons in the Premier League with the Canaries and helped them win promotion to the top-flight for 2015 having been relegated the previous season.

CLUB LEGEND 

The midfielder has played an impressive 457 Championship games during his distinguished career.

Despite approaching his 20th year as a top professional, our sources understood Howson believes he has plenty still of offer and is open to the opportunity of dropping down a division to play regular football and extend his career.

Bolton and Blackpool are both hungry to push for promotion next season having just missed out on play-off football last term.

And with Howson understood to prefer to stay in the North of England, both clubs could present the perfect chance to carry on playing in the twilight of his career respectively.

"His versatility and composure were a joy to behold and as club captain he led by example," said Boro in a statement.

"MFC would like to thank Jonny for his wonderful service, commitment and dedication, and wish him all the very best for the future."

"Jonny will return to the Riverside in the coming months to say farewell to the supporters."