Rangers should aim to sign Brighton midfielder Marc Leonard following his “scary” development, according to loan manager Jon Brady.
According to the Daily Record (1 May), Northampton Town’s manager stated that the 22-year-old is ready to play for either side of the Old Firm, despite interest from the English Championship.
Leonard, a Scotland Under-21 international, has made 97 appearances in the last two seasons, helping the Cobblers to promotion from League Two last season. Brady believes he will “flourish” for either Rangers or Celtic, but admits the Seagulls, for whom Leonard has played two senior games, have the upper hand.
Brady recommends Marc Leonard as a long-term option for both Rangers and Celtic. I know both clubs have plenty of midfield skill, but Marc is a standout young Scottish player. I believe he has the potential to reach the top level, and if Rangers or Celtic come calling, I believe he has the talent to thrive for either club.
“He is beyond us now, and rightfully so. There is a lot of interest in him in the English Championship.”With his abilities, I believe he should be testing himself, at least in the Championship. He would be a valuable addition to any squad in that league.
“He has made frightening progress. He began as a very good technical player, but he has now advanced several levels. He has risen to every challenge we have thrown at him, and in the end, he was simply snatching games by the scruff of the neck and making a significant difference. He arrived with Northampton as a young player but left as a man.
“His first season with us, he had one or two goals and a few assists, but this season he has five goals and nine assists. His critical passes and progressive passing in the closing third were all impressive.
“Marc is only 22 years old and has played 97 games over the course of two seasons. This season, he played every league game. I believe he missed only approximately 20 minutes of the season.
“To come out of academy and be so strong at his age is a big tribute to him, especially since it happens every Saturday and Tuesday and is even more rigorous over the Christmas season. His experience at Northampton will serve him well, and he is now ready to advance to the next level, but where he goes next is up to Marc and Brighton.”
Could Rangers make a move for Northampton star?
Philippe Clement will undoubtedly need to recruit for his midfield this summer, but whether the League One regular is on his radar remains uncertain.
John Lundstram and Borna Barisic are expected to join Trabzonspor after their contracts expire at the end of the season.
Ryan Jack’s considerable fitness difficulties make it unlikely that his contract will be extended.
Rangers should consider players with durability, such as Leonard, who has been available for all 92 league fixtures at Northampton over the past two seasons. He has only been on the bench once while playing in 91, and has started every match this season.
The player’s five league goals and six midfield goals are impressive. Although he has previously played in the English third and fourth tiers, he is technically a Premier League player. The club’s previous loanee from Brighton, Abdallah Sima, has also performed well at Ibrox.
Although a permanent move for the Senegalese forward is unlikely this summer, Clement’s midfield will undoubtedly play a role in his busy schedule.
So, if he’s looking for another loan from American Express, Brady has surely given him a good recommendation, and he should know better than most.
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