(Credit: Imago)

Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

Sun 10 May 2026 16:00, UK

Follow us on Google Discover

Hearts are planning to hold talks with Birmingham City over a permanent move for Marc Leonard as they aim to beat Celtic to the deal, sources have told Football Insider.

The 24-year-old joined Hearts on loan for the second half of the season and has been instrumental in their success since moving up to Scotland.

The Jambos remain in pole position to win the Scottish Premiership title despite dropping points against Motherwell, and hope that could be enough to swing the deal.

As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, Hearts are hoping they can keep Leonard at the club beyond the end of the season.

However, they will face extensive competition for his signature as he remains part of Celtic’s transfer plans, with his future at Birmingham City still up in the air.

Could Hearts beat Celtic to sign Marc Leonard?

Football Insider revealed on 8 May that Leonard is a target for Celtic as they have been impressed by his performances for Hearts since joining on loan.

His displays at Tynecastle have attracted interest from a number of high-profile clubs, but Hearts are now determined to extend his stay beyond the end of the season.

Talks with Birmingham City are set to take place at the end of the season, when they know the outcome of the title race, and they are hopeful of an agreement.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “Well look, he’s a player that’s impressed a great deal up in Scotland this season, Marc Leonard.

“He’s been instrumental for Hearts since joining them in January to help them maintain their lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership.

“He’s been right up there as one of their most important players in the second half of the season.

“Hearts, ideally, would like to keep Leonard on a permanent basis, but there are a lot of clubs keeping tabs on the 24-year-old at the moment.

“He’s under contract at Birmingham for another two years, so it depends what their plans are for Leonard, and they might be looking for a decent fee for him if he was to leave.

“Hearts, I’m sure, will hold talks with Birmingham to see if they can get a deal done permanently because he has been such a success since joining on loan.

“He’s a player that Celtic are looking at as well, but again, I think there’ll be a lot of competition for a signature if Birmingham are willing to let him move on.”

What will Celtic do if they miss out on Leonard?

Should Hearts prove successful in their pursuit of Leonard, or if he makes a move elsewhere amid Championship interest, Celtic will be forced to change their plans.

The Hoops are assessing a number of potential midfield additions ahead of the summer window as the position has emerged among their top priorities.

Football Insider revealed on 8 May that Celtic want to sign Soufiane El-Fouazi from Schalke and are keeping a close eye on his situation there.

The 23-year-old has enjoyed a strong season as he played a key role in Schalke earning promotion from the Bundesliga 2, and has impressed a number of watching scouts.

The German club, who have recently won promotion back to the Bundesliga, are expected to place a price tag of around £10million in an effort to deter interest.