Following his failure to reach a pay agreement with Preston North End, Marc Leonard, a target for Wrexham and Plymouth Argyle, is unlikely to sign with the club, according to the Lancashire Post.
Brighton midfielder Leonard has been linked to a number of teams, including Wrexham.
Following up on another successful loan spell at Northampton Town, rumours have it that Hull City, Preston North End, and Plymouth Argyle have all taken an interest in the 22-year-old Scot.
But it appears that one team will not be adding Leonard this summer.
Preston had been in negotiations for a contract to sign the promising Brighton player, according to a report from the Lancashire Post. However, the essential parties were unable to reach a pay agreement, and it appears unlikely that a deal can be salvaged.
As Leonard gets ready to leave the AMEX Stadium permanently before the upcoming season, this opens the door for other admirers like Wrexham, Plymouth Argyle, and others to step in.
Removed from the hunt
Fans of Preston will undoubtedly become interested in learning about the breakdown of their negotiations over personal terms with Leonard.
With Leonard most certainly moving this summer, it might inspire Wrexham, Plymouth Argyle, Hull City, and any other admirers to make a move of their own.
His immediate goal is to leave Brighton after two productive loans. He was successful at Northampton Town, so the reported £300,000 transfer might turn out to be a steal.
It is to be seen where he goes from here after his talks with Preston broke down, but he appears eager to go and a permanent move will help him do that.
The Championship awaits?
Wrexham have shown that if anyone can tempt a higher level of player to a lower league, it’s them.
Despite the fact that Leonard appears ready for a promotion, they have the resources to outperform their competitors, and the well-known project now underway in North Wales may be enough to entice him in.
However, aficionados of Championship may have a better chance of landing a deal if they have a desire to play at a higher level. Joining a lower-division team will get Leonard close to achieving his goal of returning to the Premier League, since he is eager to leave Brighton.
Given that Preston is no longer a factor, his second-tier suitors should have a fair chance of making a bid for his services. In fact, now might be the best moment to do so.
