Derby County are reportedly in advanced negotiations to bring Sammie Szmodics back to Pride Park from Ipswich Town after his successful loan spell with the Rams last season.

The 30-year-old forward joined Derby from Ipswich at the end of the January transfer window and went on to make 13 Championship appearances, scoring three goals and providing one assist.

Szmodics could now be set for a permanent return to Derby, with the Rams exploring both another loan deal and the possibility of signing the Republic of Ireland international on a permanent transfer.

According to The Telegraph’s John Percy, Derby are currently in talks with Ipswich Town over a potential deal for Szmodics. The Rams are believed to be leading the race for his signature as they look to strengthen their attacking options ahead of the new Championship campaign.

Szmodics has a strong relationship with Derby manager John Eustace, having previously worked with the former England international during their time together at Blackburn Rovers. That connection could give Derby an advantage over other clubs interested in the forward.

Birmingham City, who were previously managed by Eustace, are also understood to be monitoring Szmodics’ situation.

The forward joined Ipswich Town from Blackburn Rovers in August 2024 after enjoying an outstanding 2023/24 Championship campaign. He finished that season as the division’s Golden Boot winner after scoring 27 league goals for Blackburn.

However, Szmodics struggled to establish himself as a regular starter at Portman Road. Former Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna previously pointed to issues surrounding the club’s dressing-room culture when explaining the decision to allow the forward to leave on loan.

There had been speculation that McKenna’s departure could give Szmodics another opportunity to revive his Ipswich career. However, with Gary O’Neil now strengthening his attacking options, the forward appears increasingly likely to leave the club this summer.

Ipswich have already added Edersonn from Toulouse and are reportedly closing in on a deal for Celtic winger Daizen Maeda. With increased competition for attacking positions, Szmodics could be allowed to move on.

The former Colchester United player still has two years remaining on his Ipswich contract. However, he is expected to be available for significantly less than the £9 million initial fee Ipswich paid to sign him from Blackburn in 2024.

For Derby, securing Szmodics would represent another major move as Eustace looks to build a squad capable of challenging for promotion. The Rams are targeting a play-off place next season following the EFL’s decision to expand the Championship play-offs from four teams to six.

Derby have already completed three signings this summer, with winger Filip Bilbija joining on a free transfer from German club Paderborn. The club also made Bobby Clark’s loan move permanent in a £6 million deal from Red Bull Salzburg.

Strengthening the forward line remains a priority for Eustace, particularly with Patrick Agyemang expected to spend several months on the sidelines after suffering an Achilles injury.

With Derby keen to push for promotion and Szmodics potentially available this summer, the Rams could now make a decisive move to reunite with the experienced forward.