Sammie Szmodics transfer latest: Celtic interest, Brentford, Fulham and Luton Town link | OneFootball

Sammie Szmodics has been a standout performer in an otherwise struggling Blackburn Rovers side this season.

The Ireland international is the division’s top goal scorer, having contributed 23 goals and four assists to the team this campaign (all stats from Fbref).

His performances have attracted attention ahead of the summer transfer window, with uncertainty arising over his future at Ewood Park.

While his focus will be on helping keep the team in the Championship for next season, it wouldn’t come as a surprise to see the club cash in on the forward at the end of the term.

Szmodics signed a new contract last year to keep him at Blackburn until the summer of 2026, with the option for a further 12 months, but that may not be enough to keep him at the Lancashire outfit long-term.

Celtic join Szmodics chase

According to Football Insider, Scottish giants Celtic are interested in signing Szmodics from Blackburn this summer.

The forward is attracting plenty of interest, and a move up to the Premiership could be on the cards.

Celtic can offer European football next season, and could qualify for the Champions League with another title win.

However, Brendan Rodgers’ side faces competition from a host of Premier League sides, including Brentford.

Fulham and Luton Town have also been mentioned as potential next destinations for the Rovers striker.

However, it remains to be seen whether Blackburn would be willing to cash in on the player, with his contract not set to expire for another two years.

Carlton Palmer gives Szmodics verdict

Carlton Palmer believes that Szmodics has what it takes to be a success in Scottish football if he makes the switch to Celtic this summer.

The former midfielder has also suggested he could be a smart replacement for Ivan Toney at Brentford, should the talismanic England striker depart in the summer.

“He’s having a magnificent season for Blackburn Rovers, the top scorer in the division," Palmer told FLW.

“He’s in a struggling side, and we know what Blackburn’s situation is, where they look to bring players in and move them on for a significant profit.

“I don’t see any reason why he wouldn’t be a big success at Celtic, and it would be a good move for him.

“At 28, he’s experienced, and Brentford could see him as a good replacement for Ivan Toney, who is almost certain to leave in the summer.

“Szmodics will be in demand, especially if he keeps scoring goals from now until the end of the season.

“I could see him being a huge success up in Scotland should that move materialise.”

EFL award nomination

Szmodics has been placed on a three-man shortlist for Championship player of the year.

This could have an impact on his transfer value, as being recognised as the division’s best player will only embolden Rovers to demand a higher fee for his services in the summer.

Szmodics is up against Leeds United’s Crysencio Summerville and Leicester City’s Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, with the winner set to be confirmed later this month on 14 April.