AliousLeeds United and Ipswich Town are reportedly competing for Blackburn Rovers attacker Sammie Szmodics.
Ipswich, recently promoted to the Premier League, may have an advantage, but Leeds remains interested despite financial constraints due to PSR (Profit and Sustainability Rules).
TalkSPORT reported that Leeds had formalized their interest in Szmodics, after Ipswich’s £6 million offer was rejected.
Both clubs reportedly face a month-end deadline to sign him.
Blackburn has set a £20 million price tag, which might be steep for Leeds given Szmodics’ age and resale value, despite his impressive 27-goal tally last season.
Peterborough United owner Darragh MacAnthony advised Szmodics to choose Leeds over Ipswich, citing Leeds’ stature despite Ipswich’s Premier League status.
He acknowledged that Szmodics’ family situation might make Ipswich more appealing geographically.
However, Leeds Live suggests that Leeds’ interest may be overstated.
They report that Elland Road sources believe Leeds is being used to pressure Ipswich into increasing their offer.
This aligns with MacAnthony’s recent appearances on talkSPORT, where similar claims about Leeds bids were made and quickly refuted.
The Peterborough Evening Telegraph notes that Peterborough likely has a sell-on clause in Szmodics’ contract, which could explain MacAnthony’s involvement in publicizing Leeds’ supposed interest.
In summary, while there’s reported interest from both Leeds and Ipswich in Szmodics, the extent of Leeds’ involvement remains unclear and may be exaggerated to influence negotiations.
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