Southampton are advancing in their talks with West Ham United to secure Flynn Downes, as reported by Sky Sports News.
Previously, it was thought that Downes would stay at West Ham to make an impression on the new Hammers boss, Julen Lopetegui.
The 25-year-old midfielder was on loan at Southampton last season, where his contributions were pivotal in their promotion to the Premier League. Impressed by his performances, Saints manager Russell Martin is eager to sign him permanently.
Sky Sports News now reports that discussions between newly-promoted Southampton and West Ham have begun regarding the defensive midfielder’s transfer this summer.
Progress is being made in the negotiations between the Saints and The Irons to finalise a deal for Downes. Notably, there was no mention of a Kyle Walker-Peters swap deal in Sky’s report which may align with suggestions West Ham are close to a move for Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
While the two parties have not yet agreed on a transfer fee or the terms of the deal, Downes is reportedly supportive of the move which is a switch from last weeks updates.
Downes is currently participating in West Ham’s pre-season camp, the 25-year-old hopes to resolve his future shortly.
Tell them £30 million lets see them baulk at that
Has anybody actually asked Flynn if he wants to move?
Downes was never in contention for a place in West Ham’s starting XI. Who would he replace from our best midfield combination? Not Alvarez. Not Ward-Prowse, Not Soucek. Not Cornet. Not Paqueta. Not Kudus. Not Bowen. All of them experienced internationals.
Downes will never get close to being selected for England, nor will he ever be mentioned for a move to a team challenging for the top six. At very best, he’s lower half Premier League, most certainly a Championship level player. Southampton is about right for him.
Let’s see how this comment ages. Pretty confident words. As a Saints fan, I think he’s better than JWP in open play. Unlike JWP he sets a good tempo passing wise and is far more physical. Bar free kicks he is a better player. In open play JWP is neither a cdm or attacking midfielder. He’s just a bit meh. Good with deadballs though if you can afford that luxury.
As a West Ham fan I totally agree, I think Downes is the better, out of himself and JWP. That is why I think they’re selling Downes, who would buy JWP? It’s all about raising cash
From what he’s said he genuinely loves West Ham as well and is loyal. That’s priceless imo.
Just to clarify that – I can say hand on heart that Saints ability to win games last season was entirely dependent on Flynn’s fitness. That’s why he was clear POTS for us. When injured everything collapses. That’s how good he is. And, if he’s Championship level as you claim, I’d ask why he stood out like a sore thumb in that league alongside Walker Peters. The guy is class and you’ll regret selling him. It’s not as if your defence was well protected last season.
I’m not convinced selling Downes is a good idea. You mention our midfield, Kudus, Bowen and Cornet are attacking midfields and while Bowne and Kudus do track back breaking up opponents attacks is not really there role. Paqueta assuming he isn’t banned clearly wasn’t away, for the second half of last season he wasn’t really interested. Ward-Prowse is good from set pieces but offers little else and 9 times out of ten loses out in a challenge. Soucek and Alvarez are are two defensive midfielders – both get lots of bookings and Alvarez is injured, who covers for them and plays when one is out or injured. Downes the Championship player of the year seems like a cheap option as you already have him, otherwise we will buy someone who will be over-prioced, and why selling him to a compeitor, particular as If we play like the second half of last season we are in a relegation battle.
He is definitely an upgrade on soucek in possession based football
JWP has a year left of true quality. Soucek may not fit the new game plan, Cornet…really? Paqueta may or may not be a WHU player. Point being, writing off a young player whom we’ve not really seen seems a bit premature.
This would be a nonsensical move to sell him. He’s a homegrown talent in an area where we always need depth. I’m not convinced that Alvarez is any better than Downes. Downes struggled to stand out when he was considered a replacement for Rice, but anyone would. There should be no rush to sell him, especially without getting a full pre-season to observe.
Honestly, the reports on this one go back and forth so much, I’m inclined to think he’ll just stay.
Personally I would like us to keep Downes instead of JWP on reflection. JWP can hit a good dead ball but he is slow and passive in possession, never driving on nor decisive in the tackle. I didn’t feel comfortable with him and Tomas in the side together.
Do not sell. A hard tackler who very rarely misplaces a pass and keeps the ball constantly moving.
Very undervalued here at West Ham.
Keep Downes, sell JWP, would seem to be the wise combination (incidentally improving the team age average). Let’s see how JLo feels about Downes as he gets to know him.