BLACKBURN want to offer star Sammie Szmodics a pay rise – but will sell him if there is no deal.
Rovers make money from sales and plan to keep the 28-year-old attacking midfielder after he won the Championship last season.
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However, if Szmodics does not accept the deal, it could accelerate a summer sale.
Ewood Park chiefs value him at £15-20m after he topped the Championship scoring charts last season with 27 goals.
Szmodics had the best season of his life, scoring 31 goals in all competitions, despite Blackburn struggling to 19th place.
Everton have expressed an interest in the Irish international as current Toffees midfielder Amadou Onana looks set to join Aston Villa.
The Blues are also likely to lose Dominic Calvert-Lewin to Newcastle in a bid to extricate themselves from ongoing financial difficulties amid the various fines and points deductions received under Profit and Sustainability rules last term.
Everton need a reliable goalscorer and Szmodics could be the solution to their attacking problems.
Premier League newcomers Ipswich are also eyeing a move for Szmodics after signing Liam Delap from Manchester City this week.
Szmodics signed a new contract in November 2023, tying him to Ewood Park until 2026, with the option of a further year.
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Szmodics previously told the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast: “I have two and a half years on my contract so it is out of my control.
“It’s a case of me enjoying my summer and seeing what’s out there. I don’t think anyone would envy me if a Premier League team came knocking on their door.
“It’s everyone’s dream to play in the Premier League. I don’t know if that opportunity will come, but I don’t think anyone can be blamed if they have the opportunity to play in the first division.
“Look at Adam Wharton, he’s 20 and flies for Crystal Palace, he’s Blackburn through and through. I’m 28 now and I want to test myself.”
Boss John Eustace is also on the hunt for a new striker and is interested in QPR’s Lyndon Dykes.
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This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
