Sources: Sheffield United join Celtic in race to sign midfielder after Chris Wilder spotted

Celtic have been joined by Sheffield United in their pursuit of Marc Leonard ahead of the summer transfer window, sources have told Football Insider.

The 23-year-old has impressed since joining Hearts on loan from Birmingham City in January, but a return to England could be on the cards already.

Sheffield United endured a difficult season in the Championship after missing out on promotion in 2024-25, and are determined to strengthen their side for next season.

As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, Blades boss Chris Wilder was at Tynecastle to watch the midfielder during the 2-1 win against Rangers.

Leonard is also a target for Celtic, who are accelerating their transfer plans, as they aim to bolster their midfield amid concerns about their current options.

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Football Insider revealed on 10 May that Hearts are planning talks to sign Leonard permanently from Birmingham City at the end of the season.

However, it could be a difficult task for them to get a deal over the line given the level of interest from elsewhere and uncertainty about his future at Birmingham.

Sheffield United’s interest would give the midfielder the opportunity to prove himself at Championship level after not being afforded the time to do so at Birmingham.

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

“He’s a player that Celtic I’m sure will be fully aware of even before his move up to Hearts.

“Sheffield United are among the club looking at Leonard as well.

“Chris Wilder was an interested observer on the bank holiday Monday when Leonard helped Hearts get a big win against Rangers at Tynecastle.

“The opportunity to return to the Championship could be an interesting one for him if Birmingham are willing to let him go to a divisional rival.”

Leonard is attracting no shortage of interest from clubs both in England and Scotland ahead of the summer after impressing on loan at Hearts.

He will leave Hearts come the end of the season to return to Birmingham, and while his loan club are keen to keep him long-term, they will face competition.

Football Insider revealed on 8 May that Celtic are key contenders for Leonard’s signature as they step up their transfer plans ahead of the summer window.

The addition of a new midfielder is believed to be their top priority in the early stages amid growing uncertainty about their current options in the middle.

The likes of Reo Hatate and Arne Engels are attracting intense interest, while there are concerns about the long-term influence of players including Callum McGregor.