Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder 'casts eye' over Birmingham City's Marc Leonard in Hearts win over Rangers
Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder ‘casts eye’ over Birmingham City man in Scottish Premiership game
Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder reportedly cast an eye over midfielder Marc Leonard during Heart of Midlothian’s win over Rangers last night (May 4).
Tongues were set wagging when Wilder was spotted in the stands at Tynecastle Park alongside Scotland boss Steve Clarke.
He watched Hearts overcome Rangers, winning 2-1 to go three points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership table.
Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder watches Hearts midfielder
According to Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke, Wilder was casting an eye over Hearts’ on-loan Birmingham City man Leonard.
The 24-year-old, who started his senior career at Brighton & Hove Albion, has been plying his trade north of the border on a temporary basis since January. He has impressed in Edinburgh and is also said to have been checked on by Scotland boss Clarke.
Posting on X, O’Rourke said: “Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder cast an eye over Hearts loanee Marc Leonard in Monday’s clash between Hearts and Rangers. Scotland boss Steve Clarke was also checking on the Birmingham midfielder ahead of a potential call-up ahead of the World Cup.”
Leonard was linked with a move to Yorkshire in the last summer transfer window, when Huddersfield Town were reported to be admirers.
A summer of change at Sheffield United
A summer of change is on the horizon at Sheffield United after a thoroughly underwhelming season in the Championship.
Wilder is looking to make the Blades promotion contenders once again but must deal with the loss of parachute payments.
The belt-tightening process could be aided by the sale of key figures, with midfielders Sydie Peck and Gustavo Hamer among those to have been linked with moves away.
Leonard could potentially add depth to a midfield that may be deprived of it by transfer dealings in the coming months. A former Scotland youth international, Leonard has made 64 appearances for Birmingham since his switch from Brighton in 2024.
He helped the club lift the League One title last term but struggled for league starts once the Blues stepped up to the Championship.