Ipswich sign forward Szmodics and midfielder Phillips

Ipswich have signed Sammie Szmodics from Blackburn Rovers and Kalvin Phillips from Manchester City on the eve of their return to the Premier League.

Szmodics, the Championship's top scorer last season with 27 goals, joins the Tractor Boys on a four-year deal after a fee of £9m plus add-on bonuses was agreed.

England midfielder Phillips, 28, has been signed on a season-long loan.

Ipswich make their top-flight return, after a 22-year absence, at home to Liverpool on Saturday (12:30 BST).

"It's every boy's dream to play in the Premier League and I've always said to my friends, family and agents that I'll get to the top one day," said Republic of Ireland international Szmodics.

Phillips joins Ipswich after failing break into the City starting side since his £45m move from Leeds United two years ago.

He joined West Ham on loan for the second half of last season in an effort to secure an England spot for Euro 2024, but a combination of poor form and injury wrecked his chances of making Gareth Southgate’s squad.

"This is a day I've been waiting a number of weeks for now and I’m very happy to be here," said Phillips.

"I want to play as many games as possible, enjoy playing football again and help the team win as many games as possible in the Premier League."

Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna said: "He is of course a high-calibre, experienced midfielder who has played at the highest levels of the game, in both club and international football."