Blackburn Rovers

Nick Mashiter
BBC Sport Football News Reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Ipswich and Blackburn remain in talks over Ireland forward Sammie Szmodics.

Rovers, though, are becoming frustrated with how long negotiations are taking for their star man, having started over two weeks ago, while the Tractor Boys are not prepared to pay an inflated fee.

With Rovers' Championship season starting at home to Derby in two weeks the issue is disrupting their preparations and there is a sense the matter needs to be resolved soon.

The clubs are yet to agree on a fee, with Ipswich having had multiple bids rejected for last season’s 27-goal Championship top scorer and both parties remain apart in their valuation.

Colchester-born Szmodics has been open about his desire to play in the Premier League.

A move to Suffolk would give the 28-year-old the chance to live closer to home.

Szmodics' goals kept Blackburn in the Championship as they finished 19th, three points above the relegation zone.

He signed a new deal until 2026 in November, leaving Rovers in a strong bargaining position.

Nick Mashiter
BBC Sport football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Ipswich Town have had several bids rejected by Blackburn Rovers for Republic of Ireland forward Sammie Szmodics.

The Tractor Boys remain in talks with Rovers over last season's Championship top scorer and an agreement is getting closer.

The 28-year-old has been open about his desire to play in the Premier League after scoring 33 times in 2023-24, including 27 in the league.

Szmodics' goals kept Blackburn in the Championship as they finished 19th, three points above the relegation zone.

He signed a new deal until 2026 in November, leaving Blackburn in a strong bargaining position.

Galatasaray have also been interested in the former Peterborough United and Bristol City forward, who made his debut for his country against Belgium in March.

Ipswich are preparing for their first season in the Premier League since 2001-02 and have signed striker Liam Delap in a £20m deal from Manchester City.

They have also brought in Omari Hutchinson, Ben Johnson and Jacob Greaves, although Kieran McKenna's side missed out on Jaden Philogene, who re-joined Aston Villa despite Ipswich agreeing a fee with Hull City.