Marc Leonard is loving his role in Hearts’ title bid – but has “no idea” if he will be back at Tynecastle next season.
The 24-year-old midfielder has started all nine games for the Premiership leaders since joining on loan from Birmingham City in January.
But it remains to be seen if Leonard, who was in Hearts’ academy before earning a move to Brighton in 2018, will remain with the Edinburgh club beyond the summer.
“Honestly, I have no idea,” he said on Friday. “I’ve got two years left at Birmingham. From the last time I spoke to you guys, there’s been no further conversations with that.
“I’m happy where I am. I’m really enjoying being here. I’ve loved every single minute of it.”
Asked about the prospect of playing for Hearts in the Champions League next term, Leonard said: “Hearts is a club that I hold very close to my heart.
“I was here for years when I was young and my family all have really good ties with the club, they come to all the games. I love being here. Unfortunately, it’s something I can’t answer at the moment.
“Obviously, I’m tied to a contract with Birmingham and I did really enjoy it there as well. It’s a huge club, so I have no idea just yet.”
Having made just five Championship starts for Birmingham in the first half of the season, Leonard is revelling in playing a key part in Hearts’ bid for a first title since 1960.
“It’s been brilliant,” he said. “When you go on loan, you want to play but I knew coming here with the team being top of the league that game-time wasn’t going to be a given, so I am really grateful.
“The manager’s obviously put a lot of trust and faith in me. I’m just happy that I feel like so far I have repaid him for putting me in the team every week.”
