Ex-Hearts starlet wanted by Scottish clubs as deal with EPL side set to expire

Former Hearts starlet Marc Leonard is set to be at the centre of a transfer race this summer.
Marc Leonard has been with Brighton since leaving Hearts in 2018. Picture: SNSMarc Leonard has been with Brighton since leaving Hearts in 2018. Picture: SNS
Marc Leonard has been with Brighton since leaving Hearts in 2018. Picture: SNS

The 19-year-old departed Tynecastle where he was highly thought of back in 2018 to join Brighton & Hove Albion.

In his time with the Seagulls the midfielder has progressed from the Under-18 side to the Under-23, playing 12 times in Premier League 2 this campaign.

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Leonard’s contract is due to expire this summer and is not expected to earn a new deal with the Premier League side, the Daily Record report.

It has prompted interest from north and south of the border.

According to the Record, Championship side Swansea City and League One Sunderland would be keen to keep him in England.

But there is likely to be competition from clubs in Scotland.

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At the time of the move south, ex-Hearts boss Craig Levein said he found it “really strange” and didn’t “agree with his reasoning for going.”

Leonard, who has appeared for Scotland Under-19s on a number of occasions, revealed in 2019 that he left Hearts due to the style of play which he didn't feel suited him.

Leonard said: "I really liked Craig Levein. He was director of football and was fantastic with all of us. We all respected him.

"As soon as I made the step up it was more about results and the style of play changed. I'm not sure the style suited me.

"As a midfielder, it wasn't what I wanted my game based around. I just didn't feel I was involved as much as I could have been within that style of play at Hearts.”

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