League One side Lincoln City have had a transfer bid rejected for Accrington Stanley’s attacking midfielder Tommy Leigh, according to Ben Wignall at Football League World.
The Imps have been active in the market with five permanent additions already this summer, although it appears they will have to do more if they are to prise Leigh away from Lancashire.
Head coach Mark Kennedy is looking to build on his plethora of attacking options, which has already seen the likes of Tyler Walker and Reeco Hackett-Fairchild added to its ranks.
It is the second attacking midfield option his side have been linked with this week, after it was reported Lincoln are interested in the services of 21-year-old Jack Moylan from Shelbourne.
Despite their relegation to League Two, Accrington’s board have turned down an initial approach for the 23-year-old, whose contract expires at the end of the season.
Who is Tommy Leigh?
Accrington paid an undisclosed fee to bring Leigh to the Wham Stadium from Bognor Regis in July 2021.
In his first season in professional football, Leigh scored eight goals in 28 appearances, also registering three assists.
An even more successful season followed, as the Portsmouth-born man hit the back of the net 12 times in 50 games, with a further four assists, adapting to a centre-forward role alongside his ability to play as an attacking midfielder.
The 23-year-old was particularly prolific in the Papa Johns Trophy, scoring four times in five outings, as John Coleman’s side reached the semi-finals, defeating Leigh’s potential new club in the process.
However, his efforts, which included seven goals in 39 appearances, were not enough to prevent Accrington from falling into League Two last season.
What Other Clubs Are Interested?
There has been persistent interest from Portsmouth to bring the hometown boy back to the club he departed at the age of 16.
According to Portsmouth News, the Fratton Park hierarchy were unwilling to match the £200,000 valuation, turning their attentions to cheaper options.
Writer’s View
Mark Kennedy’s plea to have a squad of players that belong to the Club, rather than relying the loan market, appears to have been backed by the board as the Imps aim for a sixth permanent signing.
If they are to meet anywhere close to the reported £200,000 valuation, it would be a real statement of intent. Tommy Leigh’s versatility would add to a whole host of attacking options already at the LNER Stadium, adding some real fluidity and flexibility in terms of formations and patterns of play next season.
