Flynn Downes West Ham United exit closer than ever after Southampton transfer update
West Ham United have a battle on their hands this summer to keep Flynn Downes at the London Stadium amid growing transfer speculation.
The midfielder had an impressive campaign whilst on loan with Southampton last term and has returned to East London for pre-season in a bid to impress Julen Lopetegui and his new coaching staff.
At the moment, Downes is still a Hammers player. But reports suggest the Saints are going to keep trying to lure the 25-year-old back down to the South Coast [Adam Blackmore, 9 July], with Russell Martin admitting he is desperate to sign him.
As quoted by the Daily Echo on Saturday (13 July) Martin said: “It will take more time. We just have to be patient. I wanted him here last week, four weeks ago even
“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.”
Will Flynn Downes exit West Ham United amid Southampton transfer speculation?
While the two clubs are still yet to agree a deal for Downes to head back to St Mary’s, new developments at Southampton could well mean that the midfielder’s summer exit is closer than ever.
Martin’s side announced via X on Sunday (14 July) the signing of Japanese right back Yukinari Sugawara on a four-year contract.
The addition of the 24-year-old means that Southampton now have further depth on the right of defence and will therefore be more willing to part ways with Kyle Walker-Peters amid interest from West Ham this summer [talkSPORT, 10 July].
Should a deal be struck to bring the defender to the London Stadium, Downes’ return to Southampton will quickly follow.
Nothing may yet have been agreed between all parties, but it feels as though a deal could be closer than ever following these recent developments.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers have found the perfect Michail Antonio replacement this summer in Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran
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