Norwich ready to sign up Johnson for free

Johnson will be out of contract at the end of this month and will be able to move on a Bosman free transfer.

Norwich manager Paul Lambert has been a long-time admirer of the 24-year-old former Northampton midfielder, who played 45 times in the Championship for Leeds last season, scoring five goals.

West Bromwich had also been linked with a summer move for Johnson Norwich are expected to secure his services on a three-year contract at City.

United’s success in finishing seventh alerted clubs to the quality inside Elland Road, with Robert Snodgrass also linked last week with a move to the Canaries in a £3.5m deal.

That prompted United chief executive Shaun Harvey to say Leeds would not comment on “specific speculation”.

Harvey said: “It would be naïve to believe that we would not receive any enquiries about our players who, collectively, achieved a seventh-place finish in the Championship last season.

“We will continue our policy of not commenting on specific speculation, but would reiterate our position that any players leaving will only do so in those circumstance that we believe represent the best interests of the club and has the full support of Simon Grayson.

“Our recruitment plans continue quietly behind the scenes and we have no intention of making public our targets.”

Norwich yesterday completed the signing of Millwall striker Steve Morison for an undisclosed fee.

United are planning two matches in Scotland next month as part of their pre-season planning.

They are awaiting confirmation from the Scottish Football Association that Motherwell can host them on Saturday, July 16 at Fir Park.

If permission is granted, then a second match against Falkirk is likely to be arranged.

Max Gradel picked up his first international cap at the weekend as a substitute in the Ivory Coast’s 6-2 win against Benin as the Elephants confirmed their place in next year’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Davide Somma was also in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying action as South Africa all-but secured their place in the tournament with a 0-0 draw in Egypt.

Huddersfield Town are waiting on decisions from Danny Cadamarteri and Nick Colgan after the duo were offered one-year extensions to their current contracts. The pair had originally signed short-term deals in January until the end of the season.

One player who has committed his future to the Terriers is Academy youngster Chris Atkinson, who has agreed a two-year contract extension.

The 19-year-old midfielder, who has been at the club since he was seven, made two starts during the season after signing his first professional contract in the summer of 2010.

Hull City are in the running to sign Crystal Palace midfielder Neil Danns, although they face competition from several other Championship clubs, including Burnley, for the out-of-contract player.

Doncaster Rovers will play at Sheffield United in a pre-season friendly on Tuesday, July 26.

Rovers open their pre-season fixtures with a trip to Armthorpe Welfare on Thursday, July 7, before travelling to Mansfield Town on Tuesday, July 19.

Andy Scott’s summer rebuilding at Rotherham United is starting to take shape as the Millers look to make up for last season’s League Two promotion failure.

The former Brentford manager arrived at Don Valley Stadium with only a handful of games remaining of the 2010-11 campaign, after the departure of Ronnie Moore.

The first two new arrivals at Don Valley are Bradford City striker Gareth Evans and Championship midfielder Ben Pringle, who quit Derby County.

Pringle, 22, has signed a two-year deal with the Millers and 23-year-old Evans – who arrived at Valley Parade for an undisclosed fee from Macclesfield back in 2009 – has agreed a one-year contract.

Evans, who played 85 times for Bradford, scoring 14 goals, said: “I’m delighted to be here and I’m looking forward to putting on the red shirt. I can’t wait to get going.

“The minimum required is to run around and work hard and that is definitely part of my game. I also think I have the ability to create and score goals.”

Midfielder Pringle said the chance of regular football convinced him to drop down two divisions, despite still having a year remaining on his contract with the Championship club.

“Rotherham is an up and coming club with a new stadium on the way,” said Pringle.

“I want to play as many games as I can and that is the main reason I have signed. I still had a year left at Derby so I could have stayed there, but I spent two seasons trying to break into the side and for whatever reason it hasn’t worked out. The manager told me he wanted me to play and it is always nice to go somewhere where you are wanted, so that was the main factor for my decision.”

Dale Tonge has joined Jamie Annerson and Ollie Banks in agreeing a new contract with the Millers. The 26-year-old full-back, who joined from Barnsley in 2007, has signed a two-year deal.

“It was great to be offered a new deal and I’m happy to sign,” he said.  “It offers me some security and I’m happy to be one of the longest serving players at a really good club.

“I’ve had some injury problems but I had a good run in the side at the end of last season.  I’m looking forward to my first proper pre-season in two years.”