Peterborough United have been linked with a swoop for Colchester United pair Sammy Szmodics and Frankie Kent, according to Sun journalist Mike McGrath.

The pair impressed last season as Colchester only missed out on the play-offs on the final day, but now seem destined for a move further up the Football League.

Szmodics, in particular, has caught the eye of a number of clubs, with Bristol City heavily linked with a move for the U's academy graduate.

McGrath now claims that big-spending Posh, who have already broken their club-record this summer to sign Mo Eisa, have had a bid accepted for the pair.

Szmodics is an attacking midfielder who would most likely sit behind Eisa in the attack, looking to pull the strings from deep. The 23-year-old scored 14 times last season, chipping in with seven assists and in total, he's appeared 162 times for the club.

23-year-old Kent began his career as a youth at Arsenal but joined Colchester's academy at the age of 16. The 6ft 2in centre back could be seen as an alternative to George Edmundson.

He was a target for Posh until earlier this week, when chairman Darragh MacAnonthy angrily announced his side were pulling out of the deal.

The Verdict

If they have had a bid accepted for this pair, the fee is likely to be in the region of £1m. It has to be, Szmodics is an incredible talent who has stood out now for a couple of seasons.

That Arsenal upbringing is evident in Kent's play too. He's comfortable carrying the ball forward and can play out from the back, which sets him apart from some of the less complicated defenders who emerged at that level.

This would be a big capture for Peterborough and could be the catalyst for a very real top two push.