Blackburn Rovers‘ talisman Sammie Szmodics continues to train with the club as talks continue over his potential exit from Ewood Park, according to journalist Alan Myers.
Ipswich Town have made the 28-year-old a priority as they gear up for a return to the Premier League after a 22-year absence. Kieran McKenna’s side saw a £6 million bid rejected last week, with the Lancashire outfit reportedly putting a £20 million price tag on the attacking midfielder’s head.
Szmodics has become hot property after cruising to the Championship Golden Boot last season. Despite Blackburn’s struggles at the bottom of the table, where they only avoided relegation on the final day, the Republic of Ireland international was in sensational form, bagging 27 league goals.
Interest from the top tier was expected as a result, with Brentford linked to his signature in April. Luton Town and Sheffield United were also named as potential suitors, but their respective relegations meant that any move was unlikely.
Ipswich were the first to the table earlier this month. The two clubs have been locked in negotiations and speculation increased when the ex-Peterborough United man was left out of last weekend’s friendly against Wigan Athletic. Speaking after the game, manager John Eustace addressed the situation:
“There has been interest from clubs and they’re talking again,” he told the Lancashire Telegraph. “It’s the same sort of situation. I don’t know if he’ll stay or go, I am just coaching the team.
“It’s nothing to do with me. I want him to stay. The two clubs are talking, there was no point risking him. He’s a very fit lad and a good player so we’ll see how that develops.”
Journalist Alan Nixon claimed over the weekend that Ipswich were readying an £8.5 million bid plus add-ons, which is still considerably lower than Blackburn’s valuation. The Irish Independent state that the Tractor Boys are keen to complete the deal this week.
Writer’s View
Although Szmodics remains in training with Blackburn, it does appear as if his time at Ewood Park is coming to an end. It has long seemed a formality anyway, but it is imperative that a conclusion is reached sooner rather than later. The last thing that John Eustace will want is this dragging out into the start of the season, as he will be keen to use some of the money to bolster his squad.
With that said, that doesn’t mean that Rovers shouldn’t stick to their guns. They were smart enough to tie the player down to a new deal last year, meaning the ball is firmly in their court. Keeping their valuation high could see Ipswich eventually walk away, but that won’t bother those at the club one bit.
Be the first to comment