Derby County join race for £400,000 Brighton midfielder

Derby County’s search for a Max Bird replacement continues as they are now reportedly interested in Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Marc Leonard.

Leonard, 22, spent last season on loan at League One side Northampton Town where he made 46 appearances, scoring five goals and recording four assists.

He also won the Cobblers’ player of the season award and impressed a lot of people along the way.

Football transfer journalist Darren Witcoop posted on X: “Marc Leonard has six offers on the table with Brighton ready to sell the midfielder for £400,000.

“Clubs from the Championship, League One and abroad all interested in striking a deal.”

Derby are said to be one of those clubs including Oxford United, Cardiff City and Birmingham City.

Leonard came through the academy at Hearts in Scotland, before moving to Brighton’s youth system in 2018. Since then he hasn’t been able to break through into the Seagulls’ first team having made just two appearances for them.

He could prove to be a good option for Paul Warne as he looks to replace Max Bird in midfield. Due to Leonard’s young age and his attacking nature, he could be the perfect replacement for a 23 year-old attacking midfielder like Bird.

With the transfer window now officially open, Paul Warne is expecting to sign a few names fairly soon as Derby begin to rebuild their squad before the start of the new season.

But will Leonard end up being one of those names?