Leeds United and Ipswich given short transfer deadline or major Sammie Szmodics deal is off
Blackburn Rovers have warned Leeds United and Ipswich they only have a week to do a deal for Sammie Szmodics, according to Alan Nixon.
The Sun journalist reported via his Patreon on 23 July that the Republic of Ireland international will be off the table if neither side makes a satisfactory bid before the end of the month as they want time to find a replacement.
Ipswich have had bids rejected after offering £6million up front with add-ons taking the total up to £12m before the Whites entered the race.
But both have now been told of the deadline for the Championship’s top scorer last season who is said to be keen on a move to the Premier League.
Blackburn Rovers give Leeds United warning over attacker
Leeds have reportedly only just entered the race for the attacking midfielder properly [Alex Crook, 23 July] so if they are going to sign him it looks like being a quick chase from start to finish.
He has two years on his contract and an option for a third so Venkys aren’t under pressure to let him go cheaply.
But after selling Archie Gray and Glen Kamara on top of the major new Red Bull sponsorship deal there should be cash available at Elland Road even allowing for all the past fees the club was lumbered with from the Victor Orta era [Yorkshire Eveninig Post, 28 May].
Willy Gnonto and Crysencio Summerville could also still be sold to leave Daniel Farke with an inflated budget but short on attacking talent.
After exploding for 27 league goals last season Szmodics would clearly add plenty back but at 28 it remains to be seen whether the 49ers would be willing to splash out what it takes to sign him.
They sanctioned a move for another proven Championship goalscorer last summer in Joel Piroe from Swansea and the Dutchman scored 14 times.
But after a confused season where Farke often fielded him as a number 10 he could be sold already [Daily Mail, 1 July].
Brenden Aaronson is back from loan but the attacking midfield role proved a problem last term which Szmodics should answer, although prior to last year he’d never scored more than six times at this level so it might be a risk even if he is willing to move within the second tier.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites are expected to face “intense” negotiations over letting yet another key man leave.
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