Celtic are ‘extensively’ scouting Marc Leonard ahead of a potential move to sign him in the summer, according to a report.
The midfielder has played every minute for Hearts since being brought on loan to Tynecastle in January as a replacement for the injured Cammy Devlin.
He is contracted to Birmingham City, where he made 64 appearances in 18 months before his loan to Hearts. He spent four years as an academy player at the Jambos before being plucked by Brighton at the age of 16.
It appears that he has caught the attention of Celtic’s recruitment department since coming to Scotland.
Would you take Marc Leonard at Celtic?
Celtic ‘extensively’ scouting Marc Leonard
The Daily Record report that Celtic have upped their interest in Leonard, and are scouting him extensively ahead of the summer.
They note that clubs in major European leagues are also impressed by his performances at Tynecastle.
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The report also mentions that despite the uncertain future of Martin O’Neill, Shaun Maloney is taking a leading role in the summer recruitment drive.
Maloney is expected to return to his Player Pathways’ role at the end of the season, having initially joined the club to replace Darren O’Dea last summer.
Born in Glasgow, Leonard was in the Rangers academy prior to joining Hearts. He still has two years remaining on his contract at St Andrews.
Birmingham would reportedly demand a “significant seven-figure fee” for his services, with Sheffield United also interested.
Blades boss Chris Wilder was in attendance in Hearts’ 2-1 win over Rangers at Tynecastle on Monday. Leonard is known in the EFL, having spent two years as a mainstay at Northampton Town.
There, he was a teammate of fellow young Scot Kieron Bowie, who has also gone on to excel in the Scottish Premiership.
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Hearts boss Derek McInnes on Celtic target Marc Leonard
Hearts boss Derek McInnes said of Leonard in March: “Marc has been the one player that we’ve brought in January who’s come in and been a mainstay in the team.
“The January window is not always easy for players to settle and come in and have that impact, but for him to come in says a lot about him.
“He reminds me of a lot of players that I’ve worked with before. He’s got real confidence. He actually reminds me a wee bit of a right-footed Kenny McLean, when I had Kenny at Aberdeen.
“He carries himself brilliantly, has so much confidence in his abilities, he’s a really popular boy. I think Marc Leonard’s going to have a real top career. He’ll be a future Scotland internationalist. I think he’s done so well.”
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