Birmingham City and Oxford United ‘leading the way’ in eight-team transfer scuffle

Blues are taking action on their interest in Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Marc Leonard, aiming to make the 22-year-old Chris Davies’ first signing as manager.

Leonard recently concluded a second year on loan at Northampton Town, helping the Cobblers to an impressive 14th-placed finish in League One following their rise from League Two the campaign before. The playmaker featured 45 times in the promotion season, establishing himself as a key player.

Northampton were keen to carry on where they left off, extending Leonard’s stay by a further 12 months. The former Scotland Under-21 international sensationally went on to play 99 per cent of the League One minutes available to him, scoring five goals and making six assists in the process.

Leonard’s excellent progress has caught the attention of a whole host of clubs in the EFL. Sheffield United, Portsmouth, Preston North End, Hull City and Plymouth Argyle have all been linked but two League One clubs and one different second-tier side are the favourites.

Transfer news journalist Fabrizio Romano reports Birmingham, Oxford United and Wrexham are at the front of the pack fighting to sign Leonard. It’s claimed a mere fee of £300,000 will be enough to secure his services, representing remarkable value for money.

Seagulls give Leonard exit the go-ahead

Brighton, widely regarded as one of the best talent-producing clubs in England, have decided to let Leonard leave this summer. The cut-price nature of the deal is surprising as Albion owner Tony Bloom is a stern negotiator but the player has just 12 months left on his contract.

Add-ons will be included in any outgoing transfer, meaning Brighton will benefit gradually in the long-term, but whoever signs Leonard will kick-start their transfer business with what has the potential to be one of the best bargains of the summer.