Chris Davies confirms unannounced Birmingham City signing in blow to Coventry City

Blues are expected to finalise the acquisition of Brighton & Hove Albion ace Marc Leonard on Thursday after agreements between the two clubs and with the player.

Leonard has already passed his Birmingham medical and was in attendance as Chris Davies’ men beat Rangers 2-1 in a pre-season friendly at St Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park.

It was an impressive display from Blues and one Leonard will have likely enjoyed sitting in the stands. It’s understood the former Scotland Under-21 international will join for a fee of around £500,000 with add-ons.

“That one is pretty close,” Davies admitted post-match on Wednesday. “That will be our eighth signing of the transfer window, it’s a huge volume of players already but we need more. It’s important we have depth for the games we’re going to play, it could be touching 60 games.

“That’s another good player. It starts with the character - are they hard working and can they fit into that ethos? Is he good on the ball and is he physical enough on the ball? He ticks all the boxes. He’s someone who’s young and ready to improve, he fits the profile of being on the way up.”

Birmingham landing Leonard is a great blow to the likes of Coventry City, Preston North End, Plymouth Argyle and Wrexham as a whole host of Championship and League One clubs were seeking his signature.

The 22-year-old was incredibly reliable for a Northampton side that comfortably survived relegation from League One despite being tipped for the drop last term.

Capable of playing in a variety of central midfield roles, Leonard, who scored five and assisted six last campaign, would offer great versatility for Davies to utilise. Not missing a single league minute last season was mightily impressive, proving his reliability and consistency.

Despite being at Brighton since 2018, Leonard played just two times for the senior team. He featured on 81 occasions at youth level, though, netting six goals and notching 11 assists. It’s hoped he can continue his progression with Birmingham.