Arsenal and Chelsea are understood to be monitoring Bowyer’s position closely, with the midfielder rated at £15m (€24.5m) despite a recent dip in form.

Ridsdale is eager to conclude negotiations as a contract has been on the table for the last six months, although he remains confident the 25-year-old will remain at Elland Road.

An agreement was initially struck that nothing would be signed until the conclusion of the re-trial at Hull Crown Court, where Bowyer was acquitted on charges of affray and grievous bodily harm with intent in relation to an assault on a student.

However, two months have since elapsed with Bowyer no nearer to pledging his future to Leeds, although solicitor David Geiss has conceded there is no hidden agenda.

Geiss claims Bowyer, currently serving a six-game domestic ban and ineligible for Premier League duty until March 30 and the home clash with Manchester United, is happy at Leeds.

‘‘We expect to be sitting down with Peter Ridsdale in the near future,’’ he confirmed.

The only stumbling block is likely to be the personal terms of the five-year deal, although Bowyer would see his pay packet rise from £16,000 (€26,000) to £25,000 (€41,000) per week.