West Ham United ready to open exit talks now in new Flynn Downes transfer update
Flynn Downes could be on the move this summer with West Ham United now willing to open exit talks at the London Stadium, according to GiveMeSport.
Downes excelled on loan at Southampton last season as they sealed an immediate Premier League return in the Championship play-off final, and the Saints are now pushing to sign him on a permanent transfer [Sky Sports].
It is now said that the Hammers are ready to open talks with Southampton now to make his switch a permanent one under Russell Martin.
Flynn Downes appears to have no future at West Ham
The Hammers are preparing for a busy summer of transfer business, with Julen Lopetegui identifying six key positions to strengthen before his appointment.
Central midfield was one of those, and Downes' potential transfer to promoted Southampton could be the trigger in a merry-go-round of players at the London Stadium.
A potentially career-ending ban for Lucas Paqueta, related to breaching the FA's betting misconduct rules, would only add to the dearth of options available to Lopetegui, exacerbated further by the loss of Downes.
However, if the Spaniard believes Downes is better suited to Southampton - where he has proven to be a big hit with fans - than his new-look setup at West Ham, the club will not stand in the way of moving him on.
What remains to be seen for West Ham in this transfer is the impact Downes could make for a Saints side who will try to punch above their weight, and if the funds facilitated by his move can allow the Irons to bring in a suitable upgrade.
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