- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
HITC understands that Ipswich Town have made a key breakthrough in their pursuit of their top striker target this summer.
After some speculation this summer, Kieran McKenna decided to stay at Ipswich Town despite interest in the Northern Irishman from Brighton & Hove Albion.
With McKenna, who guided the East Anglian side to Premier League football, remaining at Pitman Road this summer, Ipswich have been busy in the summer transfer market.
We reported yesterday that Ipswich had reached an agreement with Manchester City for Kalvin Phillips with the Englishman set to move to the club on a season-long loan deal.
Now, Ipswich are closing in on their striker target for this summer.
Ipswich Town agree Sammie Szmodics deal
HITC sources can confirm that Ipswich have agreed terms with EFL Championship side Blackburn Rovers for striker Sammie Szmodics.
The Irish international has been one of Ipswich’s top summer targets and now after lengthy talks, the two clubs have agreed a deal that HITC understands is worth just over £10 million including add-ons.
Szmodics has been eager to seal a move to the Premier League and now Ipswich are granting him his wish on the eve of the new season.
Last season for Blackburn, the Irishman made 44 appearances in England’s second division and he scored an impressive 27 goals for the club.
Crystal Palace had been urged to sign Szmodics earlier this summer but it is newly promoted Ipswich who have won the race for the forward and it is set to be a busy Friday at the club.
Ipswich expecting Friday to be busy for transfer business
As mentioned, a deal for Phillips, alongside Szmodics, has been agreed and the Englishman is understood to be expected at the club today to finalise his temporary move.
Phillips joined Manchester City for £45million in 2022 but never made his way into Pep Guardiola’s plans with the City boss branding him “overweight” when he returned from World Cup duty.
Everton and Fulham were also keen on the English midfielder but it is McKenna’s side who have won the race.
As for Szmodics, it has been a long summer of negotiations but Ipswich have won the race for the Irishman.
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