What Northampton manager Jon Brady said about future of Bristol Rovers target

Northampton Town manager Jon Brady expects Marc Leonard to remain at the club. Leonard was linked with a move to Bristol Rovers on Thursday morning, along with several other teams in the Championship and in League One.

Journalist Charlie Parker-Turner, who writes for the Daily Express, reported that  Rovers, along with their two league rivals Morecambe and Forest Green had enquired about a possible move. Championship sides Swansea City and Preston North End were also said to be interested in a permanent deal.

Leonard is on a season-long loan deal from Premier League club Brighton & Hove Albion and joined the Cobblers in July. The 21-year-old has played 27 appearances for the League Two outfit this season and has started the last four matches.

Speaking to the Northampton Chronicle on Thursday afternoon, Brady dispelled the rumours of a possible recall for both Leonard and Fulham midfielder Kieron Bowie. He said: “We’ve been told they will be here at the end of January and they’re loving what they do with us. I don’t expect that to change.”

The Gas are expected to do business in the January transfer window but conducting a deal for Leonard would be complex. Leonard’s loan is until the end of the season and so Brighton would have to recall him, and then decide which club would be the best for his development.

Rovers already have three loanees on their books; Lewis Gibson (Everton), Bobby Thomas (Burnley), and Josh Coburn from Middlesbrough. Clubs in the EFL are allowed to name a maximum of five loan players in their match-day squad. Prior to the window opening, they were linked with Watford goalkeeper Myles Roberts and York City centre-back Maxim Kouogun.