Luton Town and Brentford are reportedly interested in signing Blackburn Rovers attacker Sammie Szmodics during the summer transfer window.
The 28-year-old joined the one-time Premier League champions from Peterborough United in the summer of 2022, scoring 34 goals in 80 appearances since.
Following the departure of Ben Brereton Diaz to Villarreal at the beginning of the 2023-24 term, Szmodics has stepped up to the goalscoring mantle for Blackburn.
The forward has made the net ripple on 21 occasions in 35 second-tier appearances, meaning that he leads the division's Golden Boot race ahead of Plymouth Argyle's Morgan Whittaker and Southampton's Adam Armstrong.
According to journalist Alan Nixon, Premier League duo Luton and Brentford are monitoring the form of Szmodics ahead of potential summer swoops.
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The report claims that the Hatters are interested in securing the services of the Englishman at Kenilworth Road, however it is believed that Rob Edwards's side will wait until the end of the campaign to submit a formal offer.
It is understood that a possible move to Bedfordshire for Szmodics is dependent on whether Luton can survive the drop, with Edwards's charges currently 18th in the top-flight standings, three points from safety.
With talisman and captain Ivan Toney set to depart in the summer - as the likes of Chelsea and Arsenal circle - Brentford are planning striking reinforcements ahead of the 2024-25 term.
The Bees have already agreed to sign Club Brugge's Igor Thiago on a six-year deal, although the West Londoners are hoping to do more business in the summer.
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The 22-year-old Brazilian has netted 16 goals in just 25 appearances in the Belgian Pro League this term during his first campaign since moving from Bulgarian outfit Ludogorets Razgrad.
Blackburn's ability to retain the services of Szmodics will be massively dependent on whether the club are in the Championship next season, with Rovers in the midst of a relegation battle.
Since replacing former boss Jon Dahl Tomasson with John Eustace in early February, the Lancashire club have failed to win any of their seven second-tier contests, collecting five points.
Looking to increase their three-point advantage over 22nd-placed Huddersfield Town in the Championship table before the international break, Szmodics and Blackburn will do battle with a resurgent Middlesbrough side on Saturday afternoon.
Carter White
