West Ham United news: Flynn Downes sweetener claim emerges in pursuit to sign Southampton ace James Ward-Prowse
West Ham are stepping up their pursuit to secure the services of Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse, according to the Guardian.
The British newspaper shared an article on their website [20 July] that claims that the Hammers are prepared to let Flynn Downes go the other way to sweeten the deal.
It's understood that the England international, 28, will cost at least £40million without any player included in the deal.
Good deal at the right price
Downes may mature enough to be ready for the first team but right now, he is not strengthening the playing eleven.
With Declan Rice gone, the midfield is considerably weak and the Hammers need someone to offer a quick fix and Ward-Prowse is precisely that.
Not only will he be a good player who can play box to box or even in a holding role, he can prove to be a set-piece threat.
He looks to be on course to surpass David Beckham for the most direct free-kick goals in the Premier League and his numbers in the Championship will not count.
He's by far clear of the second tier and it will be a real surprise if he does not leave St Mary's this summer, given West Ham's interest.
David Moyes would love a player like the 28-year-old and his leadership abilities could mean him getting the captain's armband in the future as well.