Blackburn Rovers boss clarifies Sammie Szmodics transfer position as Leeds United rumors persist

Blackburn Rovers boss John Eustace appears resigned to the possibility of losing Sammie Szmodics amid speculation linking him with Ipswich Town and Leeds United.

“It’s not up to me,” were the words of the Rovers head coach when asked about the potential sale of last season’s Championship Golden Boot winner. Szmodics has openly admitted that he wants to play Premier League football; currently offered by Tractor Boys.

Ipswich already had a bid rejected earlier this week. With Blackburn valuing the 28-year-old at around £12m, the Lancashire club are in a strong negotiating position with the Colchester-born forward contracted until 2026. With less than two weeks to go until at the start of the season, the Whites have also been encouraged to move promptly if they want to get a deal done.

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Strikers Szmodics and Sam Gallagher were ruled out of Rovers’ friendly against Wigan Athletic yesterday. Talks are said to be ongoing with Ipswich over Szmodics, while Gallagher has attracted interest from an unnamed club, believed to be Championship rivals Stoke City.

Eustace is keen to keep hold of his star man and has done nothing to play down talk linking the Republic of Ireland international with a move. “Listen, it’s down to the two clubs, not me,” the former Watford player told The Lancashire Telegraph.

“Sam was magnificent for us last year, I want to keep him. He’s a top player, I don’t want to lose him. But what will be, will be. He’s been a great servant for us, whatever happens .I’ve spoken to him a few times and he just wants to be fit and ready for the first games of the season.”

Speaking after the friendly at Athletic, Eustace confirmed that “there has been interest from clubs” in Szmodics and “we are talking again”. He said: “I don’t know if he’s going to stay or go, I’m just coaching the team. It has nothing to do with me.

“The two clubs are talking, there was no point in risking him. He is a very fit boy and a good player, so we will see how he develops.

Sun journalist Alan Nixon says United must move quickly if they are to secure Szmodics’ services. He wrote on his Patreon page: “Ipswich and Leeds have been told that Szmodics must be sold by Wednesday or it will stay.”