Southampton to test PL club’s resolve with midfielder transfer bid
Southampton are planning to make a permanent bid for West Ham midfielder Flynn Downes, a report from Give Me Sport has said.
Southampton boss Russell Martin has become more than familiar with midfield star Flynn Downes over the course of his managerial career.
He first worked with the former Ipswich Town man at Swansea City, where he became a key man and earned a move to West Ham. When the chance arose to reunite with him on loan at St. Mary’s, Martin made sure to take it.
Since then, Downes has become a Championship standout once more. He’s been among the Saints’ most important players as they’ve progressed to the play-off final, where they will face Leeds United this weekend.
As often is the case with starring loan players, there’s been plenty of talk over a potential Southampton stay for Downes. The player himself has said he’d love to remain with the club, but it remains to be seen what West Ham have planned.
Now, Give Me Sport reports that the Saints are planning to test the Hammers’ resolve with a permanent offer regardless of how their play-off final pans out.
They’re aware promotion would increase their chances of persuading Downes to stay, while West Ham will discuss his future in the days after this weekend’s Wembley tie.
The chances of keeping Downes
While Downes has said he’d love to stay and Southampton are keen to get a deal done, his future ultimately lays in the hands of parent club West Ham.
The Hammers will be under new management with David Moyes departing, so the incoming boss may want to take a closer look at the Saints loan star. That could make things tougher for the south coast side, but at the very least it seems as though they may face a wait for a decision over his fate.
If the door does open for Downes to move on though, you have to fancy Southampton’s chances of getting a deal over the line, especially if they win promotion.
It seems the club will make an attempt to bring him back regardless though.
Premier League ready
Downes starred in the Championship before his West Ham move and having done so again this season, you have to feel his future lies in the Premier League.
Regular opportunities with the Hammers were hard to come by in the league though, so perhaps he will have to head elsewhere if he wants to become a top-flight regular.
In terms of potential destinations, Southampton will be the obvious answer if they win promotion. The club are keen to get it done and Downes will be unlikely to complain about a return as well.
Only time will tell what comes of the saga though, with the Saints still fighting for promotion and West Ham waiting to make a decision.
