Sheffield United and Millwall have had bids rejected for Southend United’s Ryan Leonard according to a report from HITC Sport.
Both United and Millwall got promoted to the Sky Bet Championship this season, with the Blades going in as champions while the South London side had to go through the play-offs, and both know they need to strengthen their squad heavily ahead of their return to the second tier. And so both have decided to go in for a player who has impressed in Sky Bet League One, though they have been initially rebuffed.
Both United and Millwall have made offers for Leonard as they look to sign him up. The 25-year-old midfielder is a favourite at Roots Hall and has been key for them over the last few years as Southend make a push to finish in the play-offs. There was a fear they might lose him on a free this summer as his contract was set to expire but they activated a clause in his contract meaning he will now be around for another year. But even with that extension, there is still a fear they could lose Leonard next year if he decides to become a free agent.
But Southend are still holding out for a good value bid as they have turned down the offers they have received from United and Millwall. Now both of these clubs will have to re-evaluate whether they want to make increased bids for Leonard or if they decide to move on to other targets.
