WREXHAM, WALES - APRIL 27: A lap of honour by Phil Parkinson, Manager of Wrexham, following the Sky Bet League Two match between Wrexham and Stockport County at Racecourse Ground on April 27, 2024 in Wrexham, Wales. (Photo by Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images)
Wrexham Handed Boost In Pursuit Of Premier League Midfielder
Wrexham have been handed a boost in their pursuit of Brighton’s Marc Leonard with confirmation that Championship side Preston North End have cooled their interest, according to a report from the Lancashire Post.
The 22-year-old has spent the previous two seasons on loan with Northampton Town and faces an uncertain future at the Seagulls as the number of interested EFL sides continues to expand as the opening of the summer transfer creeps closer.
How did Leonard fair last season?
Following confirmation of his return to Sixfields last summer, Leonard made an additional 49 appearances in all competitions. During that time, the Scottish midfielder scored five goals and provided six additional assists for the Cobblers.
In terms of Leonard’s in-depth statistics, Leonard averaged 1.5 key passes per 90 minutes for the Cobblers as well as a pass completion rate of 82% and 5.3 duel wins per game.
These statistics suggest that the midfielder is dangerous from midfield, likes to create chances and isn’t afraid to do the defensive elements of his role either.
Which clubs are interested in Leonard?
The race to sign the 22-year-old is continuously growing with numerous Championship sides looking to sign him this summer.
Coventry City were originally linked in January but no move occurred and there has since been no confirmation that the Sky Blues are still interested in him.
League One champions Portsmouth have also joined the race for the midfielder, whilst Swansea City, Preston North End and Oxford United have also been linked with moves for the Scottish midfielder.
However, Wrexham have also been linked with an ambitious swoop for the midfielder whilst the Lancashire Post (linked above) have also mentioned Sheffield United.
Would Wrexham be a good fit for Leonard?
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With Leonard having featured regularly for Northampton in both League Two and League One, there is a possibility that he would be searching for a club to maintain his regular game time.
Wrexham may be in League One which means Leonard would have to agree to stay in the third tier for another season, but he would be more likely to receive the most amount of game time there.
He is a box-to-box central midfielder and would provide competition for Andy Cannon in midfielder if he were to sign for Wrexham over numerous Championship sides.
