Leeds United will have to pay upwards of £20 million to sign Blackburn Rovers striker Sammie Szmodics as they plan a late Ipswich Town hijack.
On the most recent episode of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior journalist Pete O’Rourke stated that Blackburn are demanding a premium amount to sell to a divisional rival following his performances last season.
It comes as Ipswich advance in their negotiations to sign Szmodics, as they continue to bolster their squad in preparation for their return to the Premier League.
The Ireland international scored 33 goals in 48 games last season, and his goals were crucial as the club finished only three points above the relegation zone.
Leeds see the offensive midfielder as a potential statement acquisition to cushion the pain if Cysencio Summerville departs the club later this summer.
Szmodics’ heroics at Ewood Park pushed the Leeds star close to winning the Championship Player of the Season accolade last season.
Leeds United plot £20m Sammie Szmodics deal after Blackburn name asking price
Szmodics, 28, signed for Blackburn from Peterborough United in 2022 and has since established himself as one of the division’s most sought-after players.
Since going to Ewood Park, he has scored 40 goals in 89 games and assisted eight times, for an average of one goal every 1.85 games.
His 33 goals last season came after only seven in 2022-23, with a more advanced role behind the striker paying off.
Premier League clubs have also expressed interest in Szmodics this summer, with Ipswich Town moving closer to a deal as Leeds’ interest faded.
The objective at Elland Road remains to retain their top players, with Summerville’s impending departure likely to prompt a move for Szmodics, albeit it may be too late at that point.
According to Football Insider, West Ham are interested in signing Summerville but will not pay more over £20 million for him.
Leeds are anticipated to remain hard on their £35 million asking price, which is likely to deter interest from the East London club, though the winger is still set to leave this summer.
