Celtic have set their sights on Marc Leonard as a top target for the 2026/27 season, according to reports from Pete O'Rourke. The 24-year-old Scottish midfielder has been turning heads during an impressive loan spell at Hearts from Birmingham City, with Celtic scouts closely monitoring his progress throughout the campaign.

Leonard's journey to this point is a story of resilience and growth. After spending four years in Hearts' academy, he was snapped up by Brighton at 16, then went on to make 64 appearances for Birmingham over 18 months before this latest loan move. When Hearts needed cover for the injured Cammy Devlin in January, Leonard stepped in and quickly became an indispensable part of the lineup.

While his stat line of one goal and three assists in 12 games might not jump off the page, his true value lies in the subtle artistry of his game. He's a master at keeping the ball moving, reading the game with smart positioning, and escaping tight spaces under pressure—qualities that make him a perfect fit for a possession-based system like Celtic's.

The competition for his signature is already heating up. Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder was spotted in the stands at Tynecastle on Monday, and clubs across Europe are also keeping tabs. Birmingham City won't entertain offers for less than a significant seven-figure fee, and with two years still left on his contract, they hold the cards.

"He's a player that's impressed a great deal up in Scotland this season; he's been instrumental for Hearts," one source noted. "He's been right up there as one of their most important players in the second half of the season, and he's a player Celtic will be fully aware of. Even before his move to Hearts, he's a player who has been on their radar for a while."

But the question remains: do Celtic really need him? With their current midfield depth, one potential concern is that Leonard can sometimes play it too safe. He doesn't often drive the ball into the final third, which could limit his attacking impact at the highest level. Still, for a player who has already proven his worth in Scottish football, the potential reward might just outweigh the risk.