West Ham United delay Flynn Downes transfer decision amid Julen Lopetegui update
West Ham United will delay a decision over Flynn Downes’ future amid transfer interest from Southampton, according to the Evening Standard.
The outlet reported on its website on Tuesday (28 May) that the newly-promoted Saints are eager to keep the midfielder following his successful loan spell, but the move didn’t have a permanent option.
While Downes refused to be drawn into speculation when asked about his future, Julen Lopetegui is keen to examine his squad first-hand at the start of pre-season while the Irons also have to ensure they have enough homegrown talent in their squad.
Will West Ham United sell Flynn Downes to Southampton in the summer transfer window?
The season may have only finished a matter of days ago, but the transfer talk in and around the London Stadium is already heating up as the Hammers are expected to make a number of changes under Lopetegui this summer.
Under David Moyes, Downes appeared to be almost completely out of the picture once he was shipped out to the south coast. However, it now seems as though the former Real Madrid boss is willing to hand the midfielder a lifeline.
If the former Swansea man can replicate the form that he has demonstrated throughout the season at St Mary’s, he could be a valuable addition to Lopetegui’s midfield, whilst also ensuring money won’t have to be spent on a new signing.
Southampton and Russell Martin will be desperate to secure a permanent move for the 25-year-old but the Irons are under no pressure to sell. They can take their time and assess their position before rushing into a decision.
With speculation rife around Paqueta’s future, Kalvin Phillips heading back to Manchester City and several players already being linked to East London, so much still has to be decided over the coming weeks.
Lopetegui needs to get his foot through the door before he makes any major decisions.
In other West Ham news, a sports lawyer has revealed whether or not the Hammers could sue Lucas Paqueta this summer
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