Birmingham City star 'commands attention' of Sheffield United and Norwich City as 'door open' for transfer

Sheffield United and Norwich City are reportedly among a host of Championship clubs interested in signing an out-of-favour Birmingham City midfielder this month.

The Blades and the Canaries are eager to improve their options in the centre of the park after a disappointing first half of the season. Sheffield United were in the relegation zone for a long stretch but have recovered somewhat, rising to 16th with seven wins in their last 10 games. Norwich, meanwhile, remain in the bottom three with just 24 points from 26 outings.

Sheffield United’s poor start is ultimately what has cost them, but even recently there have been inconsistencies creeping in. The 5-3 defeat at Wrexham on Boxing Day was a prime example as the Blades were torn apart at The Racecourse. Meanwhile, further down the standings, Norwich have been losing so many games by one goal; the fine margins have cost them.

£500k Birmingham gem eyed by Sheffield United and Norwich

Making signings in January is by no means a guaranteed quick fix for either side, but a new face - or several - through the door can often provide a welcome boost. That’s exactly what the latest speculation is tipping the Blades and the Canaries to target, with swoops for a wantaway Blues star possible.

Birmingham Live reports Marc Leonard could be on his way out of St Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park this month as he has fallen further down head coach Chris Davies’ pecking order. The door is said to be open for the former Scotland Under-21 international, who has played just 685 minutes of Championship football so far this season, to leave.

As it seems Leonard’s minutes won’t be increasing any time soon, Sheffield United and Norwich could both offer him an escape route. Birmingham Live’s report implies the Blades and the Canaries have been keeping tabs on Leonard for the past 12 months and could firm up their interest this January.

It’s suggested that Leonard is determined to remain in the Championship, and moves to either Bramall Lane or Carrow Road would offer that assurance, at least for the rest of this season. As Leonard still has two and a half years left on his contract, the report states a loan move is more likely at this stage.

Should Birmingham let Leonard go?

Blues had to bat away fierce competition to land Leonard from Brighton & Hove Albion for around £500,000 in July 2024, however it hasn’t turned out as hoped. Although Leonard has impressed on occasion, the midfielder has never been able to lock down a spot in the starting XI, mainly due to the prowess of Paik Seung-ho and Tomoki Iwata.

Leonard leaving temporarily could be the best bet, as the Glaswegian impressing on loan elsewhere could inflate his transfer value. Blues are in no rush to sell and they are more likely to make a profit if Leonard can prove his worth in the Championship at another club.

It awaits to be seen whether Sheffield United or Norwich would be willing to loan Leonard rather than sign him permanently. But if they are, that could be the best course of action.