Blackburn Rovers have identified Jay Stansfield as the man they want to replace Sammie Szmodics, according to Alan Nixon.
Stansfield made a cameo appearance for Fulham in their defeat to Manchester United on Friday and manager Marco Silva has previously stated that the England Under 21 striker will remain at Craven Cottage this season.
That hasn’t stopped intense speculation about the striker’s future this summer, with Birmingham City and Stoke Cityamong the clubs to have shown an interest in Stansfield.
The Fulham striker spent the last campaign on loan at Birmingham City, scoring 13 times in 47 games across all competitions. The season ultimately ended in heartbreak as the Blues suffered relegation to League One.
Stansfield’s performances in a relegated side have led to a chase for his signature. He scored above his xG, created chances for his teammates and worked hard defensively.
His loan side Birmingham has reportedly made bids for the striker but has to meet Fulham’s valuation and now Blackburn has added themselves to the queue for his services.
Rovers have begun the campaign impressively, beating newly promoted Derby County on the Championship’s opening night before hammering Stockport County 6-1 in the Carabao Cup and gaining a creditable draw away at Norwich City.
However, they have lost their talisman Sammie Szmodics to Ipswich Town in a deal that could be worth around £11 million with add-ons. His departure has left the Ewood Park outfit in need of a new striker, despite the impressive start to life in Lancashire for Yuki Ohashi, who has scored three in three.
Writer’s View
This would be quite some deal for Rovers to pull off, particularly with the size of any financial outlay. Their owners, the Venkys, have been criticised for their lack of spending and a deal of this size would go someway to changing that opinion.
Stansfield performed well for Birmingham last season and the attention from elsewhere is no surprise. He has a big decision to make on the next step of his career, with multiple options reportedly available to him.
Fulham have so far held firm and knocked back any bids they’ve received and seems set on having the 21-year-old as part of their Premier League squad this season.
However, Silva’s side has a host of striking options to choose from and perhaps another temporary move for Stansfield might be the best outcome for both parties.
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