LEVEIN SLAMS KID MARC’S BRIGHTON EXIT
CRAIG LEVEIN last night branded Hearts kid Marc Leonard’s decision to opt for a switch to English football as “strange”.
But the Tynecastle boss remained tightlipped on any move for Steven Naismith.
Leonard has agreed a deal with English Premier League side Brighton – which could rise to £350,000 depending on appearances – despite never having featured in Hearts’ first team. The 16-year-old was also reputedly interesting Newcastle, Everton and Celtic.
Levein said: “Marc has decided he doesn’t want to play in Scotland, he wants to play in England instead.
“It’s disappointing and I have to say I find it really strange. I don’t want any of our kids to go to England until they are first-team players but he has made his decision.
“I think he is a good player, he has come through at the same time as the other lads who have made it into the first team.
“I like him, he’s a good footballer, but I just don’t agree with his reasoning for going. He is a nice kid and I wish him all the best.”
Meanwhile, Levein refused to be drawn on mounting speculation linking Hearts with an ambitious swoop for Norwich attacker Naismith.
Levein said: “I’m not interested in talking about Steven so I have nothing to tell you just now.
“It’s something I read about and if there’s something to tell I will say.”