West Ham United loan exit for Flynn Downes mooted amid ‘desperate’ Southampton transfer news
We’re delighted to welcome former West Ham United striker Frank McAvennie as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at the London Stadium…
Frank McAvennie would like to see Flynn Downes leave on loan this summer amid speculation linking the midfielder with a move to Southampton.
On 6 July, The Guardian reported that the Saints are “desperate” to sign the 24-year-old, who struggled for game time with the Hammers in his debut season at the London Stadium last term.
David Moyes signed the boyhood Hammers fan from Swansea for £12million [Sky Sports]. However, Downes only started seven Premier League matches while he also struggled for Conference League starts once the Irons reached the knock-out stages.
West Ham’s interest in Southampton’s James Ward-Prowse could be playing a role in the south coast club’s pursuit of Downes but McAvennie doesn’t want to see the ex-Ipswich ace leave altogether.
Instead, he’d want to see Downes show his worth out on loan at St Mary’s before a decision is made next summer.
Speaking to West Ham Zone, McAvennie said: “If he’s not going to be in the first team, I’d like to see him go out on loan.
“He’s not ready at the moment for West Ham and Southampton aren’t a bad team.
“Down in the Championship, it’s a helluva league. But Downes is a good player and he’d get games at Southampton so I could see a loan.
“He could be a really decent player once he develops. He could be a top player.
“I’d like to see him go on loan to Southampton and then keep an eye on him.
“He’s West Ham through and through, his dad’s a big West Ham fan, he’s a part of the West Ham family. But I’d like to see him play more games so I’d suggest a loan and then we can see how he is.
“If he does well, we bring him back and if he doesn’t, we sell him.”
In other West Ham news, an “incredible” cash boost could head to the Hammers based on this Asian transfer speculation.