Birmingham City will now compete with Barnsley and Huddersfield Town for a key transfer target this summer, according to the Athletic.
Blues are prepared to spend big money this summer to support Chris Davies and keep their stay in League One as short as possible.
Davies is eager to expand his choices in the middle of the park and inject creativity.
And that search has led Birmingham to Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Marc Leonard, who shone on loan at Northampton Town last season.
Birmingham has been playing the waiting game with Leonard, but the race for his signature has become more competitive.
Fellow League One clubs Barnsley and Huddersfield have also expressed interest in him.
Both clubs hope to get promoted in the coming season and have the resources to provide Birmingham with serious competition for Leonard.
Brighton intend to sell the 22-year-old this summer, although he has begun pre-season with the Seagulls.
