Queens Park Rangers have entered the race with Sheffield United to secure the signature of Birmingham City midfielder Marc Leonard during the January transfer window, as uncertainty grows over the player's future at St Andrew's.
Midfield Reinforcements Sought by QPR
Marc Leonard, the 24-year-old midfielder, has emerged as a target for Julien Stephan's QPR as they look to bolster their options in the centre of the park. Leonard has found game time limited under Chris Davies this season, making 15 Championship appearances but also being named as an unused substitute on ten occasions.
The former Brighton man, who joined Birmingham permanently in 2024 after two successful loan spells at Northampton Town, has fallen behind the likes of Paik Seung-ho, Tomoki Iwata, and Tommy Doyle in the pecking order. This has prompted speculation over a potential move this month, with our sister site Birmingham World identifying the R's as potential suitors.
Championship Rivalry for Leonard's Signature
QPR are not alone in their interest, however. They face competition from fellow second-tier side Sheffield United, as well as Norwich City. There is also reported interest from clubs in Major League Soccer (MLS).
Leonard boasts a strong pedigree in the Football League, having helped Northampton Town win promotion from League Two in 2023 before being named their Player of the Year following a stellar League One campaign. He was also part of the Birmingham City squad that achieved promotion to the Championship last season.
The potential move for Leonard comes amid links suggesting Jonathan Varane could be set for an exit from Loftus Road. QPR have already completed one signing this month, bringing in versatile 22-year-old Ronnie Edwards from Southampton. While Edwards can operate in midfield, he is more likely to be deployed in defence due to Jake Clarke-Salter's ongoing injury struggles.
Defender Morrison Set for Loan Departure
Edwards' arrival could precipitate a departure for another QPR defender. Liam Morrison, the 22-year-old Scottish centre-back signed from Bayern Munich in the summer of 2024, is now being linked with a loan move away from west London.
Morrison played a significant role under former boss Marti Cifuentes last season but has found minutes hard to come by this term. With his prospects unlikely to improve following Edwards' signing, a temporary exit is being considered to aid his development and his hopes of securing a place in Scotland's squad for the upcoming World Cup.
According to West London Sport, QPR are 'willing' to sanction a loan move for the defender, with several clubs in his native Scotland said to be monitoring the situation. Morrison is a product of the youth academies at both Rangers and Celtic.
