Celtic race Brentford to sign Blackburn Rovers star Sammie Szmodics – sources
Celtic are set to battle Brentford for the signature of Blackburn Rovers star Sammie Szmodics this summer, sources have told Football Insider.
The Hoops have recently been linked with a move for the Championship hot-shot, who has bagged 27 goals and three assists across 40 appearances in all competitions this season.
Now, well-placed sources have told Football Insider that they will face competition from the Bees and other bottom-half Premier League outfits for the attacker.
Szmodics, 28, has been in fine form for Blackburn and recently made his international debut for the Republic of Ireland with a start in their 0-0 friendly against Belgium on Saturday (23 March).
Celtic in battle to sign Blackburn Rovers ace Sammie Szmodics
He was also named in John O’Shea’s starting line-up for their next game against Switzerland on Tuesday (26 March) – a 1-0 defeat.
Adam Idah has been Brendan Rodgers’ preferred centre-forward in the second half of the season, but he is set to return to Norwich City when his six-month loan spell ends.
However, Szmodics has been fielded as an attacking midfielder and a centre-forward this season and could provide great versatility if he moves to the Glasgow giants.
Uncertainty around attacking midfielder Matt O’Riley’s future, who was subject to a January bid from La Liga giants Atletico Madrid, could also motivate the Hoops to add goals to their squad this summer.
Szmodics has recorded the best-ever goal haul of his career this season despite Blackburn languishing just three points outside the Championship relegation zone.
He also bagged six goals in the FA Cup this season – a hattrick against Cambridge United in the third round, a brace against Wrexham in the fourth round and an equaliser against Newcastle United in the fifth round.
Celtic sit top of the league but rivals Rangers are just one point below them in second place with a game in hand.
They are next in action against Livingston away from home on midday Sunday (31 March).
In other news, Celtic defy expectations as documents reveal £46m payout.
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