Leeds United were leading the race to sign one Championship star this summer, but it appears as though a Premier League club are now in “advanced talks” over a deal.
A busy summer is in store for Daniel Farke and his recruitment team as preparations step up for the coming Championship season.
The past few weeks have already seen a number of outgoing players recently, with Glen Kamara the latest to leave for Stade Rennais.
More exits are expected as West Ham have stepped up talks to sign Crysencio Summerville, while Wilfried Gnonto could make a switch to Everton.
In that eventuality, the forward ranks would need to be rebuilt, with several different options available to Leeds.
One of those is Sammie Szmodics, who has been heavily linked with a move to Leeds this summer, following an impressive season at Blackburn Rovers.
Ipswich Town in “advanced talks” for Sammie Szmodics transfer
While Leeds have been showing interest in Szmodics, it appears as though a move to the Premier League could be on the cards instead.
According to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth, Ipswich Town are currently in “advanced talks” with Blackburn Rovers over a deal.
With Premier League football and potentially higher wages on offer, it could be an overall package that Leeds may struggle to match.
Szmodics scored 27 goals in the Championship for a Rovers side that was struggling against relegation for most of the previous campaign.
It’s a return that is impressive, though the forward had only scored 11 goals in the Championship prior to last season, making it hard to judge whether he could replicate that sort of form again.
Leeds United handed clear Sammie Szmodics transfer instruction
The summer transfer window is always filled with twists and turns, but the potential move for Szmodics comes despite Leeds being urged to offer a deal of their own.
Peterborough United chairman Darragh MacAnthony, who had previously signed and then sold the Republic of Ireland international, claimed that Elland Road would be an ideal home and the move would “guarantee promotion” for The Whites.
Speaking to the official Peterborough United website, he said: “Sammie [Szmodics], if I was at Leeds United, because they are going to lose some talent.
“Doing what they have to do, 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.”
That option may now be out of reach for Leeds boss Farke, who will have to reassess the signings required to make a push for promotion.
While there are plenty of twists and turns that could occur, it may be time that the Yorkshire outfit look elsewhere in the market.
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