Colchester United youngster Sammie Szmodics is a wanted man.

The Daily Mail is reporting that a trio of Championship clubs are interested in the 23-year-old talent.

Play-off chasing Derby County and Bristol City have both been touted for a move for the attacker, as well as Hull City.

Szmodics is regarded as one of the brightest talents in the EFL and had been lined up for a move to Bournemouth, previously.

The attacking midfielder has 12 goals to his name this term and has registered seven assists for the League Two outfit, pushing them within touching distance of the fourth-their play-offs.

He’s a man in demand, it seems, but there is still a lot to be asked in regards to any potential move.

So where should we start…

Taking on today’s six-point opinion is FLW writer Jay Taylor…

Is he good enough for Derby?

“The most high-profile side in the hunt for the 23-year-old is arguably Derby, with them battling it out at the top of the Championship year after year.

“Frank Lampard is building a younger, hungrier side than in previous years, and the impressive youngster could be just the man.

“Quick, nippy and full of energy, he could be a huge asset to the Rams if he were to join.”

A replacement for Jarrod Bowen at Hull City?

“You could potentially see this being the case.

“Both play in a similar role for their respective clubs and with Bowen likely touted for a move away in the summer; the recruitment department has earmarked the Colchester man as the second coming.

“It would be a reasonably cheap deal to complete, and considering Hull’s lack of funds and cutting back procedure in operation, it’s a move that could make perfect financial sense.”

Will he suit Bristol City’s style of play?

“Lee Johnson likes to adopt a face, attacking style of play at Ashton Gate, and the Colchester man would fit right into their system of play.

“An energetic, attack-minded midfielder would be the perfect accompaniment to Marlon Pack, Korey Smith and Josh Brownhill in the middle of the pitch.

“He is the perfect age to develop to and could be a real attacking threat for City if he were to move to the west country."

Can he make the step up to Championship football?

“All signs point to yes.

“Szmodics has been impressive for Colchester for a few seasons now and has done well at League One level before impressing immensely a division below.

“He would need time to adjust to the pace of the second-tier, but once he acclimatises to the ferocity, the 23-year-old is more than capable of making the step up.

“If he weren’t a club of high-profile Championship clubs would not look to swoop for his services.

What club would be Szmodics preference?

“All three clubs have different appeals.

“Derby for the fact they would more than likely be challenging for promotion.

“Bristol City for the style of play and Hull for the fact he would be a guaranteed started if Bowen were to leave.

“And on face value, you would have to argue that Derby would be in pole position for the attacker.

“Lampard at the helm with a young, exciting team being built there, he may want to see how that unfolds by being a part of it in the future, as well as potentially battling it out for promotion to the Premier League next season.”

Which interested outfit needs his services more?

“If Bowen leaves Hull, the Tigers would be desperate for the services of Szmodics.

“Derby have plenty of options in the middle and with loans leaving them in the summer, there is always scope for them to return or be replaced with others from the top flight.

“Bristol City, also have a glut of options in the middle of the pitch so it remains to be seen if he would get regular involvement at Ashton Gate – with some top-class Championship middlemen ahead of him in the pecking order.

“The likelihood is Bowen will leave, which will open up a huge void at the KCOM and one that would need to be filled as soon as it appears.”