Southampton could reunite with Flynn Downes as West Ham United are willing to negotiate a deal this summer despite interest from the Saints, as per Give Me Sport.
Southampton are prepared for life back in the Premier League next season. The Saints recently won the Championship play-off final and Russell Martin’s team will be top flight again this coming term.
The Saints started the campaign poorly, but once they got their feet they were invincible for big sections of the season.
Martin’s side scraped past Leeds United 1-0 at Wembley to secure top flight status again and now all eyes are on how well they prepare for the leap up.
Downes, 25, spent last season on loan on the south coast. He made 37 appearances for Southampton across all competitions from midfield and scored two whilst assisting three.
He played 35 appearances for the Hammers in his first year at the club after signing from Swansea City, but it doesn’t appear like his long-term future is at the London Stadium.
New Hammers coach Julen Lopetegui was set to assess the defensive midfielder before making a judgement on him this summer.
It has now been reported West Ham are willing to transfer Downes and Southampton are keen in obtaining his services permanently.
Minutes are essential
Downes mustn’t be a significant part of West Ham’s plans if they are willing to trade him so soon after getting him and that means should he continue in the capital next season he won’t get consistent game time.
Whereas, at Southampton he would certainly be a regular starter and ultimately it is best for his growth and future.
He was a vital component to how Martin set up last season and his style of play corresponds well to what the Saints are seeking to achieve under the English boss.
Southampton’s promotion should be enough to persuade Downes back to the club and the only issue that remains now is how much are West Ham wanting?
This could go on
Southampton won’t be the only club keeping tabs on the 25-year-old English midfielder this summer.
This will put more power in West Ham’s hands when it comes to negotiations over the next couple of months. It gives them greater latitude to demand the asking amount that they desire and Southampton could end up engaged in a long-winded bidding battle that goes on into the latter parts of the transfer window.
Southampton need to be wise and should have a plan B should a deal for Downes prove tough to pull off, but the fact that Downes has already spent a year at St Mary’s should give them an upper hand in any talks this summer.
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