Ipswich agree fee for Blackburn forward Szmodics

Szmodics scored 27 Championship goals to save Blackburn from relegation last season

Blackburn have accepted an offer from Ipswich for forward Sammie Szmodics that could rise to about £11m.

The clubs have been in talks for over six weeks and have made a breakthrough after prolonged negotiations.

Ipswich had multiple bids rejected for last season's 27-goal Championship top scorer, but BBC Sport understands Szmodics is now due for a medical in Suffolk after a fee of £9m plus add-on bonuses was agreed.

Rovers had been frustrated with how long negotiations had been taking, with talks starting at the beginning of July, while Ipswich felt Blackburn's initial asking price of over £15m was too high.

But they have found a compromise and Szmodics is expected to join the new recruits at Portman Road as Ipswich prepare for a return to the Premier League.

England midfielder Kalvin Phillips is poised to join on a season-long loan from Manchester City, it was revealed on Thursday.

There will be high hopes at Ipswich that Szmodics can demonstrate his finishing prowess in the top flight.

Szmodics scored 33 goals in all competitions in the 2023-24 season - for a career-best haul - and his contribution was key to keeping Blackburn in the Championship.

He publicly said earlier this year he wanted to play in the top flight and now the chance should come.

The 28-year-old has three goals in two games this season after scoring in the 4-2 win over Derby before grabbing a double in the 6-1 Carabao Cup victory against Stockport on Tuesday.

A move to Suffolk also moves the Republic of Ireland international closer to home, having been born in Colchester.

He made 162 appearances, scoring 38 goals, for his hometown club and has also played for Bristol City and Peterborough.

Ipswich host Liverpool on Saturday, their first Premier League game since 2002.