Flynn Downes and Southampton transfer update by Dharmesh Sheth amid West Ham United controversy
Flynn Downes could now stay at West Ham United instead of moving to Southampton due to the controversy surrounding Lucas Paqueta, according to Dharmesh Sheth.
The midfielder spent the season on loan with the Saints in a campaign which saw them promoted to the Premier League via the Play-Offs.
Downes had an excellent season under Russell Martin in the Championship and he is now wanted permanently after his form.
Now Sky Sports reporter Sheth has spoken to GiveMeSport (4 June) about where how he sees a permanent move to Southampton being affected.
He said: “I think one other issue to watch as well, and I wonder if it will have an influence, is the situation with Lucas Paqueta and the betting charges that have been levelled against him, and whether and how soon that is going to be heard.
“If the worst comes to worse, do West Ham United maybe have to legislate for maybe losing Lucas Paqueta for a while and will that have an impact on whether Flynn Downes stays or goes off to Southampton?”
Lucas Paqueta could scupper Flynn Downes move from West Ham
Downes had a superb season away from the London Stadium which has generated a lot of interest in his future from various parties.
Hammers fans want to see him stay to become a useful member of the squad under Julen Lopetegui in his first season as head coach.
On the other hand, Southampton can offer regular minutes in the first team in the Saints’ return to Premier League action.
The deal now appears to hinge on what happens with Paqueta and his FA charges in which a punishment is yet to be decided.
Somewhat similar cases involving Ivan Toney and Sandro Tonali have seen them banned for large periods, with the latter banned for the majority of the season.
If he is to be banned then the Hammers will be in desperate need for replacement options in the midfield ahead of the season.
Although Downes isn’t an exact like-for-like, he would certainly add something to the Hammers’ midfield if Paqueta is missing.
In other West Ham news, Emerson is reportedly ready to leave the London Stadium this summer amid links with a return to Roma
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