West Ham United are willing to allow Flynn Downes to leave, according to numerous reports, as Southampton continue to push for a permanent transfer.
Russell Martin could be successful in his transfer pursuit thanks to Julen Lopetegui’s transfer plans.
Lopetegui is understood to have informed Downes that he is free to discuss a permanent transfer to the Saints if they meet West Ham’s asking price, which is believed to be a surprisingly low £12m.
Hammers fan Downes, 25, spent the 2023/24 season in the south of England, featuring 33 times in their promotion-securing season back to the Premier League. On the back of his impressive performances, the St Mary’s Stadium outfit want to sign him on a permanent deal.
Whilst in East London playing for the Irons, the central midfielder found game time hard to come by, having featured just 35 times most of which were as substitute.
Downes is set to face stiff competition for midfield places next season with the return of Freddie Potts and Lewis Orford, who is also looking to step up. However, sanctioning the deal may not be the most sensible move considering Manchester United’s interest in Edson Alvarez.
It could be prudent for West Ham to wait and see what happens with the Mexican, who did little to dissuade interest from the Manchester club when asked about the transfer.
