Russell Martin could cry over Flynn Downes transfer update at West Ham United
Russell Martin has admitted he would cry himself to sleep if Southampton fail to sign West Ham United midfielder Flynn Downes.
After promotion back to the Premier League, Southampton are looking to strengthen their squad to increase their chances of avoiding immediate relegation.
Downes was on loan at St Mary’s last season and had a lasting impact on the side, with Martin admitting he wanted a permanent deal done weeks ago.
“It will take more time. We just have to be patient. I wanted him here last week, four weeks ago even,” he said to fans at a Q&A on 13 July [Daily Echo].
“When someone is owned by another club, and they are a good player, they are always going to try and keep them.
“I hope, that at some point, we will show enough love and give West Ham enough money.
“Hopefully, before the end of the season, he will be in a Southampton shirt. If he’s not, I will cry myself to sleep.”
Flynn Downes set to leave West Ham United this summer
Since Julen Lopetegui took over from David Moyes upon the commencement of the 2023/24 season, plenty of changes have been afoot at the London Stadium.
Despite finishing in a respectable ninth place last term, there’s no doubt that the Hammers will want to find themselves back competing for Europe, especially since their Europa Conference League win.
Max Kilman has been added to the Hammers’ ranks and will look to help sure up the club’s somewhat leaky defence.
In midfield, changes have been anticipated throughout the window but nothing has yet been made official.
Although Downes played 37 times across all competitions for Southampton last term and contributed to five goals, it’s unlikely that his form will find him included in West Ham’s first-team over the likes of Tomas Soucek and Lucas Paqueta, if available.
With this in mind, and especially with Lopetegui’s interest in Kyle Walker-Peters [talkSPORT, 10 July], a move to the Saints makes sense for all parties and would provide the 25-year-old the chance to regularly showcase his talent at the top level.
In other West Ham news, the future of Jarrod Bowen has seemingly been decided.
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