Blackburn Rovers are facing their first real challenge of the summer with Ipswich Town testing the waters with Sam Szmodics.

The Championship's Golden Boot winner has been the subject of plenty of speculation without much action this summer. Premier League clubs have been delayed in their business because of the European Championship and so it has been relatively quiet.

Fans were obviously concerned when Szmodics wasn't pictured at the training base on day one last week but that was a red herring. He then sat out the weekend's friendly games 'as a precaution' which will always raise suspicion levels between the months of June and August.

The stance from all parties regarding Szmodics has been clear. Rovers are realistic that someone may be able to come in and offer him what they can't.

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That might be a significant step up in the pyramid; a move to the Premier League. It could be a massive pay bump, three or four times what he earns at Rovers. Naturally, those two would go hand in hand if a top-flight team came in.

Providing their valuation is met, Rovers wouldn't stand in his way. At 28, now is the time for him to move, with his stock high, if he's to make the step up.

But that hasn't happened, until now. Rovers have been planning with Szmodics and John Eustace certainly doesn't want to lose his top-scorer. Especially when recruiting new additions has been so slow.

Talk of Ipswich's interest was shot down 10 days ago. A £6million bid was reported but dismissed by club sources at both football clubs. At those sort of figures, nothing is going to happen.

Whilst the impression given from the Tractor Boy's end would suggest Kieran McKenna is more interested in up-and-coming talent, they have made a bid that has been swiftly turned away by Rovers. 

It would've been remarkable if Rovers had made it through the summer without a serious offer. There feels like a lot of parallels to the Ben Brereton Diaz situation Rovers had two years ago; plenty of interest and speculation but nothing formal until right at the death.

The difference this time is Rovers can call the shots. Their previous good work means Szmodics is tied down until 2026, with the option of another year. Had they not renewed his deal, that would've been one year less.

What's not in their favour is the well-documented financial issues that have placed a dark cloud over the football club for the past 12 months. Venky's issues in India are widely known, even if the finer details or exactly what they can and can't do are still murky.

It means that football clubs are going to try and test the waters and try their luck with Szmodics. People speak in the football industry and Rovers' struggle to get several incomings over the line won't have gone unnoticed either.

This step up in interest from Ipswich is a proper test of whether Rovers are able to withstand a significant, if perhaps undervalued bid.

How do you price up a player like Szmodics? He's 28, which obviously affects any resale value, but has just had the best season of his career. He isn't a luxury player and so many teams are looking for a goal-scorer.

I'd argue he's pretty system-proof as well. He can play in a front two, slightly wide or as an attacking midfield or a number eight.

The drawback is his age, a decent price tag and the fact Szmodics hasn't hit that level of goals at any stage of his career. So there is obviously some risk there.

Rovers are entitled to feel their star player should attract offers around the £15-20million mark. I doubt they will get them, particularly at this stage of the window.

Now there is some substance to the speculation, it will be fascinating to see how it plays out.