Journo shares update on Flynn Downes future at West Ham United after starring on loan at Southampton
Flynn Downes is now looking more likely to leave West Ham for Southampton on a permanent basis next year, according to Dean Jones.
The 24-year-old joined Southampton on a season-long loan in August and has started 16 of the Saints’ 23 Championship matches so far.
Downes is now one of the first names on Russell Martin’s teamsheet, and staying at St Mary’s beyond this season may suit all three parties.
“I actually think it’s looking positive for Saints in terms of signing him,” Jones told GIVEMESPORT. “The way he’s improving and the way he’s playing is fitting with what they promised when he was signed.
“Now, West Ham will have an eye on this situation and be judging whether he can fit into what they’re doing. But you do also wonder whether West Ham are starting to move beyond it and that Southampton is going to be a better fit for Downes.
“Whether they’re at the top end of the Championship or back in the Premier League, obviously being back in the Premier League I think does give them the best opportunity of signing him.
“I think it’d be a great signing. And if the second half of the season goes well, and he feels part of it, I think his head might start to wonder whether that’s where he should be.”
No rush
Downes never really made the cut at West Ham and a move away in the summer made sense.
The former Ipswich Town and Swansea City player reunited with Russell Martin at Southampton and is clearly enjoying his football again.
While it would be easy to now write off Downes’ career at London Stadium, there may yet be a way back for him.
If he continues impressing for Southampton, it may well be that David Moyes – or whoever is in charge at London Stadium – considers him as a squad player for next season.
However, if the Saints are promoted back to the Premier League, they will no doubt want to keep hold of Downes permanently, meaning West Ham could recoup some – or all of – the £12million they spent to sign him [Sky Sports].
No decision has to be made in January, though, so this is one worth revisiting a few months from now.
In other West Ham news, a couple of United players are reportedly doubtful to face Arsenal due to illness.