Ipswich Town join Southampton in transfer battle for West Ham United man Flynn Downes
West Ham midfielder Flynn Downes could make a move to either Ipswich Town or Southampton in the transfer window, according to the Sunday Mirror.
The Mirror reported in their print edition (30 June, page 72) that the Hammers midfielder, who excelled on loan at Southampton last season, is also being chased by his former employers Ipswich this summer.
Downes, 25, left hometown club Ipswich for Swansea City before making the switch to East London in 2022, and could make a return following the Tractor Boys’ promotion to the Premier League.
However, Southampton joined Ipswich in the top-flight after winning the Championship play-off final with Downes at the heart of their midfield, and understandably want to bring him to St. Mary’s permanently.
Flynn Downes looks certain to seal transfer away from West Ham
With two promoted sides fighting it out over a player with no clear path into the Hammers’ first-team, it appears certain that Downes won’t be wearing claret and blue come the start of next season [GiveMeSport, 7 June].
His 99 appearances in all competitions for Ipswich between 2017 and 2021 raised Downes into the Irons’ sights, and after securing the £100million-plus prize which comes with Premier League promotion, Ipswich will be confident in re-signing their former academy star.
However, having played such an integral role in Southampton’s immediate return to the top-flight, they could be the side better suited to giving Downes a permanent first-team role next season.
The Saints may have the advantage when it comes to pursuing their 2024 Player of the Season though, due to the Hammers’ own interest in right-back Kyle Walker-Peters going the other way [George Rees-Julian, 28 May].
As mentioned in the Mirror’s report, Julen Lopetegui’s side want to add the twice-capped England international to their squad, and with one year left on his contract, Walker-Peters’ next move could be the difference in Southampton securing their number one target.
In other West Ham news, transfer details have emerged as Wolves prepare for a third Max Kilman bid from the Hammers.
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