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 tabs on him. Birmingham City, Oxford and Wrexham can now be added to this lengthy list.