Plymouth Argyle are eyeing a move for Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Marc Leonard, who is currently out on loan at League One club Northampton Town, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Leonard, who has made two appearances for Brighton’s first team, is admired by several Championship clubs, with Argyle being joined by the likes of Swansea City and Preston North End in showing interest in the former Scotland U21 international.
The 22-year-old has been in good form at Northampton this season, scoring five goals and delivering six assists in 39 appearances. He is set to return to his parent club in the summer, when his current loan deal expires, and is contracted to the Seagulls until June 2025, with the option of an extra year.
Graham Potter handed Leonard his debut for Brighton back in 2021 against Cardiff City in the EFL Cup, and he completed his first 90 minutes for the club a month later in the same competition against Swansea.
There has been interest in the midfielder outside of the Championship, with League One leaders Portsmouth reported to be interested and willing to join the race this summer. There have yet to be any reports of formal approaches for the player.
It’s his second spell at Northampton, having spent the whole of last season at Sixfields, making 45 appearances in the league. The Cobblers are currently 11th in the table, 11 points off the play-off places.
Writer’s View
Leonard is a very talented midfielder who can do a number of roles, playing in both attacking and defensive midfield so far this season, as well as on the right wing. Brighton are renowned for producing talented young players, so it comes as no surprise that there is a queue of clubs looking to acquire the services of the 22-year-old.
Plymouth Argyle will be hoping to avoid relegation this season as they look to strengthen their pursuit of the player, as they are currently just three points above the relegation zone. It will also be up to the player regarding what he wants to do with his future. The option of staying at his parent club and trying to break through under Roberto De Zerbi is not something that has been ruled out as of yet.