How Sheffield United really feel about Birmingham City raid as transfer truth emerges | OneFootball

Marc Leonard is currently on loan at Hearts from Birmingham City

Sheffield United’s season ended on a high note with a 2-1 win away to top-six-chasing Derby County, capping off what was an underhwelming campaign in the red-and-white quarters of the Steel City.

Goals from Tom Cannon and Sydie Peck overcame John Eustace’s side after they had initially taken the lead in the fifth minute through Sammie Szmodics.

The Blades moved up to 13th as a result of their final day victory, but they still came up short of a play-off place by 13 points.

Chris Wilder will be hoping to improve the first team squad over the summer, with the club’s sights set on climbing back into contention for promotion to the Premier League.

The Yorkshire outfit reached the play-off final 12 months ago, but suffered a significant drop in competitiveness this season after a turbulent summer transfer window and the brief, ill-fated rein of Ruben Selles.

It could prove to be a very busy summer at Bramall Lane, with a number of potential incomings on the horizon as Wilder seeks to rebuild the squad.

Sheffield United’s Marc Leonard stance

It has been reported by The Star that Sheffield United are not actively pursuing a deal for Birmingham City midfielder Marc Leonard.

It had been claimed that Chris Wilder was in attendance for Hearts’ clash against Rangers on Monday in order to scout the 24-year-old.

However, it’s believed that the Sheffield United head coach was actually at the game for personal reasons, and that he was not taking a look at the Birmingham player, who is on loan with the Scottish side.

It’s understood that the Championship side are keeping an eye on the market for a midfielder in the event that Sydie Peck is sold, but it is not considered a priority position at this stage.

The Yorkshire outfit are reportedly keen to strengthen their defensive options this summer, while bringing Kyle Walker back to the club is another move that Sheffield United are exploring.

Leonard joined Hearts on loan in the January transfer window following his lack of game time under Chris Davies at St. Andrew’s.

The midfielder has made 12 appearances in the league for the Premiership side, contributing one goal and three assists as they compete with Celtic and Rangers for the title.

Leonard featured 15 times in the Championship this season before going out on loan, albeit he started on just five occasions for the Blues.

Birmingham finished 10th in the table, four points clear of Wilder’s side, but it remains to be seen whether the 24-year-old is a part of their first team plans going forward.

Sheffield United have greater priorities than midfield

Sheffield United are set to keep Jairo Riedewald for next season, and they also already have Peck and Ollie Arblaster, as well as Joe Rothwell, meaning midfield is not an area in need of reinforcements.

While Leonard has performed well while on loan in Scotland this season, his signing isn’t one that makes a tonne of sense for Sheffield United right now.

Prioritising other areas of the squad is a better use of their resources this summer, unless one of that quartet departs.

Peck is the likeliest to receive attention this summer, and it would be a blow to lose him, but for the time being midfield is not a position that Sheffield United need to strengthen.