Sources: Exeter City plot move to sign Brighton star Marc Leonard
Exeter City are plotting a move to sign Brighton midfielder Marc Leonard, sources have told Football Insider.
The Scotland Under-21 international is highly regarded at the Seagulls but they are ready to loan him out next season.
A number of EFL clubs have shown an interest in Leonard, 20, but Exeter are hoping to win the race for his signature as they plan for life in League One next season.
The 20-year-old was named on the bench for Brighton in several Premier League games last season and made two starts in the League Cup earlier in the campaign.
However, he has not featured in either of the Seagulls’ pre-season matches so far this summer.
Football Insider revealed earlier this year (27 April) that Dutch side NAC Breda were one of many sides at home and abroad weighing up a loan move for Leonard this summer.
He is now ready to make the step up from age-group football and nail down a regular first-team role with a temporary move away from Brighton.
Leonard penned a new deal at the Amex Stadium in December 2021 – keeping him on the south coast until June 2023.
The midfield talent notched four goals and three assists across 25 appearances for Brighton’s youth sides last season.
Leonard came through the ranks at Hearts but chose to further his development with a move to Premier League Brighton in 2018.
The Glasgow-born starlet has made seven appearances for Scotland’s Under-21s since making his debut in October 2021.
Exeter are yet to make a signing this summer despite their promotion from League Two last season.
The Grecians start the campaign away at Lincoln in just 10 days’ time.
In other news, Football Insider updates as Championship duo make moves for Brighton star.