Blackburn Rovers eye 15-goal SPFL star as Sunderland suffer blow in pursuit of Premier League starlet
The latest transfer reports from the Championship, including key updates on Blackburn Rovers and Sunderland
Blackburn Rovers star Sammie Szmodics has quickly become one of the most sought-after stars in the division after an incredible 27-goal campaign from midfield, which saw him win the Championship Golden Boot.
John Eustace is determined to do everything he possibly can to keep his talisman at the club amid interest from Celtic and a host of Premier League clubs, but behind the scenes the club are already assessing possible replacements in case he departs after only narrowly avoiding relegation last term. One possible replacement that has reportedly caught the eye of the Lancashire side is Motherwell star Theo Bair, according to reports from Glasgow World.
Bair is a two-time Canadian international, who has recently enjoyed his best career season so far with 15 strikes and six assists in 38 Scottish Premiership appearances for the ninth place side. The 24-year-old thrives in physical battles and is renowned for his strength and heading ability which has been key to his team’s survival in the top-flight.
The potential £15-20m figure Blackburn Rovers are likely to receive for Szmodics should give the team plenty of funds to pursue Bair, although Cardiff City and Sunderland could also make rival bids for the Canadian as they aim to improve on last seasons showing.
Sunderland suffer blow in pursuit of recently released Premier League star
Sunderland are keen to bolster their attacking options as they begin preparations for their third season back in the second-tier. Last season, the Wearside side were heavily reliant on former Leeds United star Jack Clarke, who with 15 goals, scored more than double anyone else in the Black Cats team last term, with Jobe Bellingham being the second highest scorer with seven.
Clarke, despite his impressive goal tally, is a natural winger and many Sunderland fans are urging the board to sign an out-and-out centre forward to drive the team up the league next term after a disappointing 16th place finish.
Out-of-contract West Ham starlet Divin Mubama has been heavily linked with a move to the Stadium of Light this summer and despite failing to score in his eight senior league appearances, is regarded as a hot prospect after a series of impressive performances for the U23s - including a hat-trick in the FA Youth Cup final against Arsenal last year.
Mubma netted a further 13 goals in 20 appearances in Premier League 2 this term and is now determined to get a chance to prove himself at a senior level. The youngster is yet to agree a new deal at the London Stadium and is currently free to begin contract negotiations with any potential suitors that come forward as a number of Championship sides keep tabs.
However, new Hammers boss Julen Lopetegui is reportedly pushing to keep the 19-year-old in East London for a while longer as Danny Ings and Michail Antonio both approach the twilight years of their careers at 31 and 34 respectively.