Peterborough United are closing in on a statement swoop for Colchester United pair Frankie Kent and Sammie Szmodics, manager Darren Ferguson has revealed.
Speaking to the Peterborough Telegraph, Darren Ferguson has revealed that Peterborough United have agreed transfer fees for Colchester United pair Frankie Kent and Sammie Szmodics.
Undisclosed fees have been agreed and talks between Ferguson and centre-back Kent have taken place, with the defender asking for some time to weigh up Posh’s offer before making a decision. Talks over personal terms have not yet been held between the club and Szmodics, but with a fee agreed, personal term talks are the next step.
Speaking on Wednesday, Ferguson said:
“I’ve had a very positive meeting with Frankie who has asked for time to consider our offer. Hopefully he will reply in a positive way before the weekend.
“We bid for Frankie six weeks ago so it was nothing to do with what went on with Oldham. He’s an excellent defender and he fits the bill for us as we want a younger player to play alongside Mark Beevers at the heart of our defence. He’s comfortable on the ball, but also defends well. If Frankie turns us down we’ll just move on. We have other targets, but he’s at the top of my list.
“Frankie and Sammie Szmodics have both been brought up well at Colchester. They look after their younger players. I’ve kept an eye on Szmodics for a couple of seasons. He’s a really good player who would suit the way we want to play.
“I’m aware other clubs might want him, but we have the advantage of having had a bid accepted. I have yet to speak to the player though.”
Kent made his breakthrough into senior football with Colchester after spending 10 years in the youth ranks at Arsenal. In his time with the club, the 23-year-old ball-playing centre-back has played 141 games in all competitions, netting eight goals and providing three assists along the way.
Sammie Szmodics is one of League Two’s hottest properties. Championship sides Bristol City, Derby County, Hull City and Reading have all been linked with moves, and it seemed certain that he would be heading to Bristol. However, Posh have pounced as a deal with the Robins stalled. 23-year-old playmaker Szmodics has scored 38 goals and laid on 16 assists in his time with the club, scoring 15 and providing nine assists last season alone.
