By:
Mark Hendry
Vinnie Leonard is at the centre of a transfer race which is beginning to heat up the winter window.
The 17-year-old defender is very highly rated at Dundalk.
And that’s why his stock continues to rise with multiple clubs around Europe who are keen to sign him.
Leonard has made inroads with his club as a teen and had a breakout season last term.
Celtic made contact over Leonard after chasing the player for more than a year.
But the Hoops faced competition from the likes of Norwich City for his signature.
European giants AC Milan also had an interest in the full-back but Pundit Arena understands he wants to remain in the UK with first-team football his immediate goal.
Crystal Palace and Brighton transfer interest in Vinnie Leonard
A pathway to minutes on the pitch is what Leonard and his representatives want.
Now that he can sign a pre-contract ahead of a busy summer when he’ll want his future secured.
Leonard had identified final four clubs he would consider choosing from.
But now it is being reported Premier League clubs have entered the discussion.
It is being claimed that Crystal Palace and Brighton and Hove Albion are keen to land him.
The Eagles will be without manager Oliver Glasner later this year after he confirmed he’d leave in summer.
Brighton, meanwhile, will also hope to convince the youngster to move to the Amex.
Their late interest may well have come too far down the line considering Leonard’s earlier plan.
But the lure of English football’s top tier could also be too big to pass up for the ambitious talent.
That being said, a stepping stone club may well suit the player better in the long run.
Stepping straight into a Premier League outfit at 18 – when it goes through in summer – would make things difficult, one might suspect.
Why Celtic or Norwich City might suit Leonard better in long run
A move to a Celtic or the Canaries in the EFL Championship could potentially earn Leonard more minutes.
The Hoops have an Irish contingent playing regularly in Johnny Kenny and Liam Scales.
Interim manager Martin O’Neill also has the same connection.
With Norwich they have a manager in Philippe Clement who is not afraid to pitch younger players in.
It remains to be seen whether or not Leonard will be swayed by the Premier League.
What is for sure, though, is Dundalk will likely land a decent fee in compensation when he departs.
That should go a long way towards helping the Irish Premier Division club bring in a player or two of their own.
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