Prior to Premier League action returning to the King Power Stadium next season, manager Enzo Maresca has started identifying summer transfer targets, and Ester City is getting ready to make a move for Blackburn Rovers star Sammie Szmodics, according to GIVEMESPORT sources.
The Foxes are headed back to the top flight at the first time of asking after winning 31 of their 46 domestic games and winning the title of second tier champions. Plans are in place to bolster the team to make sure they do not face relegation in the upcoming season.
Although Abdul Fatawu will stay where he is, Leicester has exercised the £15 million buyout clause in the original loan arrangement with Portuguese powerhouse Sporting. Maresca has been in talks with chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha on potential new signings.
Foxes Prepared to Submit Official Szmodics Proposal
Maresca, who won the Championship Golden Boot, is eager to use his marksmanship.
According to GMS sources, Szmodics could be rewarded for an outstanding season at Blackburn by getting the chance to make his mark in the Premier League for the first time in his career. Leicester is expected to make an offer when the transfer window reopens in the coming weeks.
The Republic of Ireland international finished comfortably six goals ahead of Southampton’s Adam Armstrong in the Championship Golden Boot competition after scoring 27 goals for a Rovers team that just missed relegation to League One.
Szmodics’ brace against Blackburn on the last day of the season at the King Power Stadium showed Leicester just how dangerous he can be. This victory helped his current employers stay in the division, and since then, connections have emerged between him and Jamie Vardy and Kelechi Iheanacho, two other frontmen who are nearing the end of their contracts.
As they get ready to start a new chapter without Scottish coach David Moyes in the London Stadium dugout come season, GMS sources have been informed that West Ham United is unlikely to actively pursue the 28-year-old, despite having some interest. The player was a childhood Hammers supporter.
Due to his strong play in the closing third, Blackburn has placed a £20 million price tag on Szmodics. However, as he is about to start the last two years of his £15,000-per-week contract at Ewood Park, potential bidders may smell a chance to jump.
The former Colchester United striker, who Rovers manager John Eustace has called “sensational,” is also aware that he feels ambitious after scoring goals for pleasure in the Championship and is eager to take on a new challenge if the appropriate offer comes in.
A Premier League pair may participate in the Szmodics battle.
Luton and Sheffield United might become popular destinations.
Sources close to GMS have revealed that Sheffield United and Luton Town, two Premier League teams now in relegation after just one season in the top division, are reportedly considering offering a path out of Blackburn for Leicester.
As they both want to return right away, it is known that if it turns out that the former Peterborough United talisman is willing to go on to fresh pastures once they are unable to keep their Premier League status, then a chance to join the Blades or Hatters may present itself.
Though there are those who believe that Szmodics’ current stage of career makes a move to the Premier League unlikely, Maresca and Srivaddhanaprabha are considering raising the stakes by making a formal offer that would put Blackburn’s determination to the test in the upcoming weeks.
