Championship rivals Sheffield United and Norwich City are reportedly ready to battle for the signature of Birmingham City midfielder Marc Leonard during the January transfer window.
Midfield Reinforcements Sought by Struggling Sides
Both clubs are actively seeking to strengthen their midfield options after challenging first halves to the season. Sheffield United endured a lengthy spell in the relegation zone but have staged a recovery, climbing to 16th place with seven victories in their last ten matches. However, their form remains patchy, exemplified by a heavy 5-3 defeat at Wrexham on Boxing Day.
Norwich City find themselves in a more precarious position, sitting inside the bottom three with just 24 points from 26 games. The Canaries have been plagued by narrow defeats, with fine margins costing them dearly in their fight for survival.
The £500,000 Gem Seeking an Escape Route
According to reports, a potential solution for either club could be Marc Leonard. The 24-year-old former Scotland Under-21 international has struggled for game time at St Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park under head coach Chris Davies, featuring for just 685 minutes in the league this term.
It is claimed the door is now open for Leonard to depart, with his prospects of regular football not expected to improve. Birmingham Live suggests both the Blades and the Canaries have monitored the player's situation for the past 12 months and are poised to formalise their interest this month.
Birmingham fought off significant competition to sign Leonard from Brighton & Hove Albion for a fee in the region of £500,000 in July 2024, but the move has not worked out as planned. The presence and form of Paik Seung-ho and Tomoki Iwata have limited his opportunities in the starting eleven.
Loan Move Emerges as Most Likely Outcome
With Leonard determined to stay in the Championship and still having two and a half years remaining on his contract, a temporary loan switch is viewed as the most probable outcome. This would allow the player to prove his worth at this level, potentially increasing his future transfer value for Birmingham.
The Blues are under no pressure to sell and may see a successful loan spell elsewhere as the best route to eventually turning a profit on their investment. It remains to be seen if Sheffield United or Norwich would prefer a permanent deal or agree to a short-term arrangement for the Glaswegian midfielder.
For Leonard, a move to either Bramall Lane or Carrow Road would offer the guaranteed Championship football he desires, at least for the remainder of the current campaign, as he looks to reignite his career.
