Former England midfielder Carlton Palmer believes Blackburn Rovers’ £20 million price tag on Sammie Szmodics is a little pricey given his age.

Blackburn Rovers want £20 million for Sammie Szmodics as Sheffield United join the race

It has been reported by The Sun that Sheffield United have joined the race for Blackburn Rovers star Sammie Szmodics.

This 2023/24 season has been magnificent for the 28-year-old on a personal level, as he’s produced his best tally to date, with 25 league goals for the campaign.

So, his performances have naturally caught the attention of teams from the Premier League, with both Luton Town and Brentford being credited with an interest in the forward, and according to this recent report, the duo remain interested in Szmodics.

While fellow Premier League side Fulham have also been mentioned as having an interest in the 28-year-old, along with Scottish Premiership side Celtic.

However, these sides now face fresh competition, as Sheffield United have reportedly joined the race, with The Sun reporting that Blackburn are looking for between £15 and £20 million for Szmodics.

Carlton Palmer thinks £20 million is a little pricey for Blackburn's Sammie Szmodics

Here, we asked former player Carlton Palmer for his thoughts on Sheffield United joining the race for Blackburn Rovers’ Sammie Szmodics and if he thinks the club would pay his reported £20 million price tag.

Palmer doubts very much that Sheffield United would pay £20 million for a player in the Championship, and given Szmodics’ age, he thinks the price tag is a little too pricey.

Palmer exclusively told Football League World: “Blackburn Rovers striker Sammie Szmodics is attracting a lot of attention. He has been outstanding in the Championship this season; 42 games, 25 goals in the Championship, which is a fantastic return.

“46 appearances in total in all competitions, 31 goals is an absolutely fantastic return and without his goals Blackburn would be down, and they are just outside the relegation spot as we speak.

“The 28-year-old is an experienced centre forward; Blackburn Rovers have put a figure of £20 million on Sammie’s head.

“Sheffield United have joined the race, and it will be interesting to see if Sheffield United are able to pay £20 million for a player in the Championship. They haven't paid £20 million for a player in the Premier League, so I doubt very much whether they will be able to pay £20 million for one player in the Championship.

“Listen, is he worth it? Of course, people look at 28 years of age, 20 goals, if you're in a side that wants to get promoted to the Premier League, that goes a long way to doing it.

“It is going to be very interesting to see if somebody is prepared to do that and pay that £20 million. I think it's a little bit on the high side for a player of 28.

“I think that's a very high price. I think if Blackburn Rovers get anything near to £15 million with add-ons, and you know, maybe £10-12 million with add-ons for £15 million, I think Sammie will be moving on to pastures new.

“Yes, clubs are always looking for goalscorers and if you want to get promotion from the Championship you want somebody who's going to be able to score you goals.

“20 goals is a phenomenal target to hit and, as I say, to end the season coming into the last game of the season with 46 appearances and 31 goals is a fantastic season, but £20 million I think at his age is a little bit pricey.”

Unlikely Sheffield United are going to pay £20 million for Sammie Szmodics

Sheffield United will obviously find themselves back in the Championship again next season, but they are not coming down with a load of money in the bank.

The Blades were very restricted in what they could spend in the Premier League this season, so it is unlikely that the club is going to suddenly go wild with transfers after suffering relegation.

Therefore, it doesn’t seem likely that Sheffield United will part with this type of money to sign Sammie Szmodics.

If those figures are correct, the only chance Blackburn has of getting that money is by selling the forward to a Premier League team, not a side that has just been relegated.