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Luton Town 'step up interest in prolific Championship striker'

By Carter White | 08 April 2024

Luton 'step up interest in prolific Championship striker'

Luton Town are reportedly preparing a bid for Blackburn Rovers striker Sammie Szmodics, with Celtic, Fulham and Brentford also keen on the 28-year-old.

Luton Town are reportedly prepared to bid for Blackburn Rovers attacker Sammie Szmodics during the summer transfer window.

Following the departure of Ben Brereton Diaz to La Liga giants Villarreal ahead of the 2023-24 campaign, the 28-year-old has burdened the goalscoring responsibility at Ewood Park.

Szmodics has made the net ripple on 23 occasions in the Championship for Blackburn so far, leading the division's Golden Boot race ahead of Southampton's Adam Armstrong (20).

The striker has also recently received recognition on the international stage, earning his maiden call-up for the Republic of Ireland during their camp in March.

Since making the switch to Lancashire from League One outfit Peterborough United in the summer of 2022, the attacker has netted 36 goals in 84 appearances across all competitions.

Blackburn Rovers' Sammie Szmodics celebrates scoring their first goal with Callum Brittain on February 27, 2024 © Reuters

Luton, Fulham and Brentford preparing bids for Blackburn's Szmodics

According to The Sun, Luton are preparing a bid for Blackburn marksman Szmodics ahead of the summer transfer window, with the Hatters targeting attacking reinforcements.

The report claims that Rob Edwards's side will make an approach for the 28-year-old regardless of whether they are in the Premier League or the Championship next season.

Following a much-needed 2-1 success over Bournemouth at Kenilworth Road on Saturday afternoon, Luton are only inside the bottom three on goal difference.

As reported last month, it is understood that Brentford are in the race for the services of Szmodics, who is set for a move away from Blackburn this summer.

Marco Silva's Fulham are also said to be in the hunt for the signature of the Irish marksman, despite Rodrigo Muniz hitting a sensational patch of form since the beginning of February.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers before the match on April 7, 2024 © Reuters

Celtic interested in Szmodics?

On top of a trio of Premier League outfits, it is also claimed that Scottish giants Celtic are sounding out a move for Szmodics as the campaign reaches its conclusion.

Midfielder Matt O'Riley leads the Hoops' goalscoring ranks in the Scottish Premiership this season, and it is believed that Brendan Rodgers wants to recruit a prolific forward for his squad.

After a pulsating 3-3 draw with Rangers in the Old Firm derby on Sunday at Ibrox, Celtic remain a point clear at the top of the table, however Phillipe Clement's side have played a game fewer.

Whilst the Hoops strive for the title, Szmodics and Blackburn are fighting to avoid relegation to League One under the stewardship of John Eustace.

The collection of four points from the last two matches - including three during the 5-1 demolition of Sunderland on Easter Monday - has allowed Rovers to move four points clear of the relegation zone.