Celtic and Sheffield United told what Birmingham City player is all about as Blues man on duo's transfer radar

Celtic have been told they’d land a top midfielder if they raid Birmingham City this summer - as Sheffield United also stand ready to pounce.

Marc Leonard has impressed for Hearts amid their Premiership title fight with the Hoops but is only on loan from the Blues. Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder cast his eye over the former Scotland youth international live at Monday’s win over Rangers while it’s claimed Celtic have also put the Birmingham City player on their radar.

Hearts boss Derek McInnes spoke last month of his delight in working with Leonard. He believes the Birmingham City loanee was exactly what he needed amid absences for Cammy Devlin and Beni Baningime in the Tynecastle engine room. He said: “We are fortunate to have Marc Leonard. I think for us that was one that we had to react to.

Why did Hearts sign Marc Leonard?

“It wasn't a position that we were looking to get in January, but because it was January when Beni and Cammy went out, we were fortunate enough that we could react. I thought we reacted really well as a club to get somebody like Marc in. We don't ordinarily go down the loan route but I think sometimes needs must.

“He was the perfect option at the perfect time for us and I've been absolutely delighted with him. I like him as much as a player as I do as a person. I think he's a great kid, Glasgow boy, fitted in brilliantly with the squad. I think sometimes when you have that instant connection, you're not waiting a few months for him to fit in. It was exactly what we needed, and his performances have been really strong, and I'm really pleased with him. So delighted that he's played a bigger role in helping us stay where we are.

“I knew the name. I'd seen him playing for the (Scotland) U21s and I remember him leaving from here. I knew he had a decent loan spell at Northampton but I hadn't really kept tabs on him. Obviously when the name first got put to us, right away I thought yep, he could be one that's of the level.

Why did Birmingham City loan out Marc Leonard to Hearts?

“Then we look at his games, make a couple of calls to people I know at Birmingham. Then once I spoke to Chris Davies, and the fact that he was available and then speaking to Marc, I thought we had such a good conversation. I think he was exactly what I wanted and I think we were exactly what he needed at that time.

“I know they had other bits of interest from the Championship but he was quickly focusing in on us as well, for loads of reasons, thankfully. I think he is somebody who handles the ball brilliantly, he's got a wee bit more in him, in the final bit as well. We see it in training. He's got that last shot in him, that last bit of quality, and last pass in him as well, so I think he's got a lot to his game. He's done himself no harm in playing football and I think he's clearly enjoying it.”

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