Birmingham City are keen to beat numerous EFL sides to the signing of Brighton Hove Albion midfielder Marc Leonard on a permanent deal this summer, according to journalist Alan Nixon.
The Scottish midfielder has attracted numerous EFL interest following the conclusion of his loan spell with Northampton Town and now looks increasingly likely to leave the Seagulls on a permanent deal this summer, but could a move to St. Andrews be on the cards?
Who is interested in Leonard?
Birmingham City will face competition from several Championship and League One sides in the race to sign the midfielder on a permanent deal this summer.
Fellow League One side Wrexham have been heavily linked with a move for the midfielder, whilst Swansea City, Portsmouth and Oxford United have also been credited with an interest in the 22-year-old.
Recently, Preston North End have opted against a move for the midfielder, leaving the door wide open for a potential transfer to another EFL side this summer.
How did Leonard fair last season?
Leonard has spent the previous two seasons on loan with Northampton Town, helping them to achieve promotion to the third tier as well as securing their highest league finish in over a decade during the previous campaign.
In total, he featured 49 times in all competitions for Northampton Town last season, contributing to 11 goals as well as averaging 1.5 key passes per 90 minutes, suggesting he is a danger from midfield.
Would a move to Birmingham benefit Leonard?
The Blues are currently awaiting their new managerial appointment after Tony Mowbray was forced to step down due to health reasons, with the club now in League One following their relegation last season.
After a busy summer in terms of releasing the likes of Neil Etheridge, Marc Roberts and Ivan Sunjic, Birmingham have left themselves with work to do ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.
Leonard has plenty of EFL experience and has proven himself at League One level for the Cobblers and could be the perfect midfielder for the Blues to target as their aim for an immediate return to the Championship.