Norwich City, Celtic and Crystal Palace in transfer race to sign exciting defender | OneFootball

Norwich City are chasing Dundalk's Vinnie Leonard, although they face competition for the defender from Celtic, Crystal Palace and Brighton.

Norwich City are among a host of clubs tracking highly-rated Dundalk centre-back Vinnie Leonard ahead of the January transfer deadline.

The 17-year-old is seen as an exciting talent in Ireland, and, despite his young age, he featured regularly for Dundalk last season as they won promotion back to the top-flight.

As well as that, Leonard has represented his country at various youth levels, which includes featuring in the U17 World Cup in Qatar a matter of months ago.

Norwich City face competition to sign Dundalk’s Vinnie Leonard

Therefore, it’s no surprise that Leonard’s form has put him on the radar of bigger clubs with the January window open.

And, according to Football Insider, the teenager is in demand, as they claim Norwich, Celtic, Palace and Brighton are all monitoring the defender.

The update explains that they have all registered their interest in Leonard to Dundalk, with the Irish outfit now ‘bracing themselves’ for offers in the next two weeks.

Whilst there’s no mention of a fee, it’s highly unlikely that would be a problem for any of the clubs interested, with the report adding that Leonard could have a big decision to make about his future.

Norwich City are right to plan for the long-term under Phillipe Clement

Of course, this won’t be an easy deal for Norwich to do when you consider the calibre of clubs they are up against in the battle to sign Leonard.

Brighton and Palace are established Premier League clubs, and they both, particularly the Seagulls, have a reputation for developing younger players.

Meanwhile, Celtic are a huge club, and as an Irishman it may be a dream for Leonard to pull on the green-and-white Hoops.

But, Norwich are also a club with a good reputation for improving younger players, and the fact they’re in the Championship may mean they can offer a more realistic route to the first-team for Leonard, which could be his priority.

Given their precarious position, Norwich fans will be more concerned about signings that can improve the XI immediately as they try to stay in the Championship.

However, sporting director Ben Knapper and the recruitment team have to plan for the long-term, and they will see a bright future under Phillipe Clement given the start he has made at Carrow Road.

Promoting from the academy and integrating younger players will be part of that remit in the future, so it makes sense that they are targeting players like Leonard.

This seems likely to develop over the coming weeks, and given the level of interest in Leonard, it would be a coup for Norwich if they could bring him to Norfolk.