Ipswich Town: John Eustace on Town interest in Sammie Szmodics

According to the Lancashire Telegraph, the two clubs are locked in negotiations about a deal for Rovers' top-scorer, who bagged 33 goals in 48 games last season.

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Szmodics, 28, has missed the last three pre-season matches while the saga rumbles on.  

Rovers are apparently demanding a lofty £20m fee for the forward, while Town are not willing to get anywhere near that valuation.

And Eustace says Szmodics could play in Rovers' Championship season opener against Derby County on Friday if a deal is not sorted soon.

Blackburn Rovers boss John Eustace says there is a deadline this weekend as Town try to sign Sammie Szmodics (Image: PA)
He told the Telegraph: "He's still in talks with Ipswich, I believe, so we'll have to see what happens.

"Listen, Sammie is a top player, I don't want to lose him as a head coach but we'll have to see what happens on that."

He added: "I am sure there is a deadline and I think we're just waiting on that over the weekend, I think.

"He's been training, he has been his bubbly self around the place. If he stays then he will be involved for sure."