Leeds United have now ‘formalised’ interest in signing £20m attacker this summer

Add as preferred source on Google

Leeds United have now formalised their interest in one of the Championship’s most sought-after stars this summer.

The Whites are continuing to scour the market for reinforcements having already brought in four new signings so far in the window.

Joe Rodon became the first as he completed a £10 million permanent switch from Tottenham, with Alex Cairns following him swiftly after.

Joe Rothwell then made it signing number three on loan from Bournemouth, before Jayden Bogle arrived from Yorkshire rivals Sheffield United over the weekend.

However, Leeds certainly aren’t expected to stop there when it comes to incomings, with plenty of positions still in need of strengthening.

• READ MORE: ‘Amazing’ player left out of club’s pre-season tour after reports Leeds United want to sign him

Leeds ‘formalise’ interest in Sammie Szmodics

Much of Leeds’ business before the end of August could well hinge on the players they potentially lose in the coming weeks.

Crysencio Summerville has attracted new interest from West Ham and AS Roma in the last few days, adding to the vast array of other clubs that are keen. Everton are also confident over a deal for Wilfried Gnonto.

If they were both to go, attack would become a major area of priority and one player who has been linked recently is Blackburn Rovers star Sammie Szmodics.

Premier League side Ipswich Town are currently in talks over a deal for Szmodics but according to talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook, Leeds are making their move.

Crook reported on Twitter earlier this morning that Leeds have now ‘formalised their interest’ in signing last season’s Championship top scorer.

According to the Sun, Blackburn are believed to be commanding a fee of £20 million to sell their talisman this summer, and in all honesty, it is difficult to see Leeds paying that sort of amount unless another major sale comes in.

• READ MORE: Joe Rothwell says there is already something he wants to do differently at Leeds United than Southampton

Darragh MacAnthony says Szmodics would guarantee Leeds promotion

As mentioned, Szmodics was the division’s leading marksman last season as he netted 27 goals in 44 league appearances in a poor Rovers side.

He almost single-handedly stopped Blackburn from being relegated, and clearly Leeds see him as someone who could replace Summerville’s goals if he leaves.

In fact, Peterborough United owner Darragh MacAnthony recently went as far as saying Leeds would guarantee themselves promotion, if he was to sign.

He said: “Sammie, if I was a Leeds United, because they are going to lose some talent, doing what they have to do to bring in. He is pretty much guaranteeing you promotion because you’re buying the golden boot winner. That’s my tip Leeds fans, you should be buying Sammie Szmodics. Sorry Blackburn fans.”