Ambitious Wrexham are set to join the race to sign Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Marc Leonard this summer transfer window, battling the likes of Championship sides Hull City, Preston North End and Plymouth Argyle for his signature.
The 22-year-old is entering the final year of his contract, which has prompted his current club to slash the price down to £300,000 for his services, according to TeamTalk. This low price is understood to have attracted a host of Championship sides to monitor him. He spent last season on loan at Northampton Town, picking up two of the club’s annual awards the Player of the Season and Players’ Player of the season. The Scotsman appeared 46 times in League One, contributing five goals and six assists as his side secured another season in the third tier.
Can Wrexham pull it off?
Wrexham are used to being able to pick players from the league above who wouldn’t normally be interested in dropping down but are convinced by their Hollywood owners and ambitious project. The signings of Paul Mullin sent shock waves at the time after opting to drop into the National League rather than stay in the EFL. However, as the club continues to progress up the leagues their star power and pull will start to diminish and they may have to change tactics as the pull of the Championship may be too much for some players to turn down and Wrexham cannot easily outspend or offer out wages that are much higher than their league status suggests.
Leonard was a revelation last year for Northampton, at times he ran the midfield with ease against some much bigger names and more experienced players. He picked up not only the Player of the Year but also the Players’ Player, which I believe is often more telling as they can see from a more practical point who is helping them and making the team tick
