Sheffield United and Hull City have reportedly joined the race for Brighton & Hove Albion youngster Marc Leonard ahead of the summer transfer window.
The 22-year-old has spent back-to-back campaigns on loan at League One outfit Northampton Town, where he has established himself as a key first-team star.
Leonard managed to bag five goals and provide six assists from the Cobblers' engine room in 46 third-tier matches as his side avoided the drop this season.
He was recognised for his stellar performances in recent weeks, winning Northampton's Player of the Season award during an event in late April.
Leonard also possesses relative international pedigree, having represented Scotland Under-21s on seven occasions between September 2021 and August 2023.
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Sheffield United, Hull keen on Brighton's Leonard?
According to Football Insider, Brighton's Leonard could be plying his trade in the Championship next season following two straight seasons in League One with Northampton.
The report claims that Premier League strugglers Sheffield United and second-tier playoff hopefuls Hull are interested in signing the 22-year-old this summer.
It is understood that Brighton are willing to let Leonard depart during the upcoming window, with Seagulls boss Roberto De Zerbi not seeing the midfielder as part of the first-team plans on the South coast.
With a pair of clubs circling, it is believed that Brighton will agree to a deal in the region of £300,000 for the former Northampton loanee.
Leonard's contract with the Seagulls expires over the summer of 2025, meaning that Brighton risk losing him for nothing if they do not sell him this year.
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Sheffield United eyeing up lower leagues
It is said that both the Blades and Liam Rosenior's Hull have been scouting Leonard in League One contests for Northampton over recent weeks.
Chris Wilder's charges are preparing for an immediate return to the Championship, with the Blades sitting 10 points behind 17th-placed Nottingham Forest with only three Premier League matches left.
Hull still harbour realistic dreams of reaching the playoffs in the second tier on the final day, however the Tigers must win at Plymouth Argyle and hope that West Bromwich Albion lose to Preston North End.
With the likes of Vinicius Souza highly likely to leave Bramall Lane this summer, Wilder has looked to the future with his midfield selections in recent matches, starting Andre Brooks and Oliver Arblaster.
Carter White
