Portsmouth must now bat away competition from recently relegated League One side Birmingham City for Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Marc Leonard this summer, according to Sky Sports News.
The outlet are claiming that the Blues have made contact with the Seagulls for the 22-year-old after two successful loan spells with Northampton Town over the past two seasons. Furthermore, Sky Sports have revealed that Welsh outfits Wrexham and Cardiff City are interested in the Scot, while newly-promoted Championship side Oxford United are also lingering in the background for the playmaker who boasts a market value of £380,000, as per Transfermarkt.
Having helped the Cobblers to earn promotion to League One in 2022/23, Leonard was sent back out on another season-long loan to Sixfields. Despite being one of the favourites to bounce straight back down to the fourth division, Jon Brady’s men managed to finish in 14th place, having spent the majority of the campaign in the top half of the table. Leonard played a major role in this success as he made 46 league appearances, scoring five goals and recording six assists.
It was reported by The Daily Record back in March that Portsmouth were eyeing a summer move for the Brighton midfielder as the Seagulls were keen to see him thrive in a stronger division next season, ie, the Championship. John Mousinho’s men were, of course, boosted in their pursuit of Leonard after securing promotion to the division below the Premier League.
However, as The Daily Record revealed three months ago, Pompey were never the only side in the running for Leonard’s signature, with Preston North End, Plymouth Argyle, Derby County and Swansea City keeping
Writer’s View
With the fullest respect to Northampton and Brady, it always seemed as though Leonard was capable of playing in the Championship, although League One side Birmingham are reportedly set to try their luck as soon as the transfer window opens, having already made contact with Brighton.
Portsmouth could be successful in their pursuit to sign Leonard but face an extremely tough task to come out on top against teams who are already well-established in the Championship. Nevertheless, perhaps Pompey can offer him regular starts which many other suitors may not be able to which could swing the race in their favour.
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