Oxford United have joined the fierce chase to sign Brighton Hove Albion midfielder Marc Leonard on a permanent deal this summer, according to a report from the Daily Record.
The 22-year-old is reportedly available to leave the Seagulls on a permanent deal this summer if their asking price is met and newly-promoted Oxford United are the latest side to be linked with his services.
How did Leonard fair last season?
After arriving at Northampton Town last summer, Leonard made 49 appearances in all competitions for the League One side and featured in all 46 league matches for the Cobblers.
During that time, Leonard contributed to 11 goals for the Cobblers with each of them also arriving in league competition. His goals helped to secure Northampton’s highest league finish since the 2007/08 campaign.
Which teams are interested in his services?
Previously, League One champions Portsmouth have been heavily linked with the midfielder in recent months and were joined by Preston North End, Swansea City and Preston North End as the race for his signature intensifies.
However, the Daily Record have now stated that European sides Legia Warsaw and Sturm Graz have also joined the fierce chase to land Leonard’s signature this summer.
Brighton Hove Albion have reportedly set a six-figure price tag on Leonard’s head ahead of the summer transfer window opening next month and the battle to land him continues.
Would Leonard be a good signing for Oxford United?
Leonard doesn’t have any Championship experience but played a crucial role for Northampton Town in League One last season and has already attracted a lot of interest, which would make the signing stand out amongst some of the deals so far.
The midfielder is a similar style of player to Cameron Brannagan and would add further depth and quality into the central areas of Des Buckingham’s squad ahead of the upcoming season.
The exact price tag is yet to be revealed but one certain thing is that the race for Leonard’s signature is certainly increasing in competitiveness as time progresses.