Flynn Downes could be used in West Ham United and Southampton swap deal for James Ward-Prowse – ExWHUemployee
West Ham may attempt to use Flynn Downes in their bid to sign Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse, according to ExWHUemployee.
Ward-Prowse is reportedly high on David Moyes’ summer wishlist, but ExWHUemployee wrote on his Patreon account that the price is currently too high.
In an attempt to negate that, 24-year-old Downes – who only started seven Premier League games last term – could be offered as a makeweight to the Saints, who were relegated to the Championship.
“In other news a heads up given to us a couple of days ago from twitter account WestHamOnline has proven to have some substance. This was that Southampton were considering making a move for Flynn Downes either on loan or permanent as he had spoke to someone within the Downes family,” the report read.
“I have since checked this out and there does seem to be credible evidence. This is largely down to their appointment of his former manager at Swansea, Russell Martin. They enjoyed a great relationship and the former Norwich player sees Downes as a great addition to help drive the Saints back to the Premier League.
“Mark Warburton was instrumental in getting the midfielder to turn down an almost done move to Palace to sign for us. He has obviously left the club (with a replacement expected to be named soon) and Moyes may consider allowing the player to move.
“What makes this move more significant is our interest in James Ward Prowse. The set piece king is high on Moyes’ wish list, as he was last summer, and at the moment we feel their valuation is too high. If Downes could be included in the deal this could help lower the cost.”
A move that makes sense
Even if Declan Rice was not so likely to leave the club this summer (only a miracle of the footballing Gods will see him stay the London Stadium) midfield would be an area Moyes is looking to improve.
As it is, Moyes will likely need at least two reinforcements in the engine room and Ward-Prowse has been a name mentioned for several months.
However, some reports suggest Ward-Prowse will cost around £40million, a fee that does seem a little steep – even if Rice could bring in a reported £100million windfall.
Downes is a player on the fringes with the Hammers, and at 24 is at an age where really he needs to playing regular first-team football.
He would likely get that a Saints side looking to rebuild in the Championship and a chance to shine in the second tier could be exactly what Downes needs.
It is a move that makes sense for all involved.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers are readying a £25million move for a hugely talented Championship ace.