Birmingham City midfielder Marc Leonard could depart on loan - QPR and 2 other Championship clubs should pounce | OneFootball

FLW take a look at which Championship clubs should consider moves for the Scotland U-21 international

Birmingham City midfielder Marc Leonard is expected to leave St. Andrew's on loan this summer, with Blues reportedly receptive to offers.

The 23-year-old struggled for consistent starts during their record-breaking League One title-winning season - and now Pete O'Rourke is reporting that multiple Championship sides are monitoring the situation.

Despite making 47 appearances this campaign, Leonard started 14 of them - lasting 90 minutes in five of them.

The former Brighton prospect's pedigree still remains unquestioned after impressive performances during loan spells at Northampton Town - where 12 goal contributions in 97 games led the Cobblers from League Two to League One.

FLW take a look at which three Championship clubs should consider moves for the Scotland U-21 international.

Oxford United

Oxford United's midfield requires urgent attention following Alex Matos' return to Chelsea after his half-season loan - leaving Gary Rowett's side light on creative technicians capable of bridging defence and attack.

Leonard's 1.47 key passes per game during his second Northampton spell, coupled with 2.43 tackles per 90 - sorts this issue out perfectly.

The U's conceded the seventh-highest amount of goals this past Championship season - 65 - and ranked 17th for goals scored - 49. Leonard's ability to recycle possession under pressure and drive forward with purpose would add something new to Oxford's buildup while maintaining some much needed defensive structure.

Queens Park Rangers

QPR's previous pursuit of Leonard in 2024, reported by Darren Witcoop, does provide a somewhat logical foundation for renewed interest.

The R's finished seven points clear of the drop, failing to score in 12 out of 46 league games - suggesting the Glasweigan could very well spur them on to a better point talley next term.

Also, with Jonathan Varane being the subject of a reported £5m bid from Espanyol - they could be on the lookout for a potential replacement in that area of the pitch.

Charlton Athletic

This may come as a surprise due to his role as captain during their recent promotion - but Charlton and Nathan Jones should replace Greg Docherty as they return to the Championship after six years away.

Marc Leonard managed more assists (five) than Docherty's three in 1,971 fewer minutes this season. In the latter's previous 90 games in the Championship with Hull City, across three seasons, he only managed one goal and four assists, discouraging numbers for a Championship midfielder.

The Addicks' supporters have vocalised their concerns, with fan forums highlighting the need for a "playmaker" to complement Conor Coventry and someone "more comfortable on the ball than Doc" (Greg Docherty).

Leonard's potential availability creates a good opportunity for Championship clubs to acquire a midfielder who still has untapped potential and for Blues to assess how he gets on against higher opposition.