Chronically underused West Ham favourite Flynn Downes could leave the club after just one season and seven starts claims a report.
West Ham signed Flynn Downes from Swansea City last summer in a deal worth £9m rising to £14m with add-ons.
West Ham fans who followed last summer’s window closely will know that Downes had looked set to join London rivals Crystal Palace. So much so he had even taken part in a Palace photoshoot.
But West Ham swooped to steal him from the Eagles’ beaks at the 11th hour.
A lifelong West Ham supporter from a family of Hammers, Downes quickly became a fan favourite with his tough tackling style and energy.
Ups and Downes for boyhood Hammer after dream move
But despite impressing when he was finally given a chance by David Moyes, the young midfielder found regular game time difficult to come by.
Both Tomas Soucek and Lucas Paqueta seriously struggled for form as West Ham flirted with relegation for much of the season.
And there were calls from fans for Downes to be given a run of games by the manager.
With captain Declan Rice edging ever closer to leaving West Ham, many expect to see the ex Ipswich man be given more responsibility and game time next season.
Chronically underused West Ham favourite Flynn Downes could leave after just one season and seven starts claims report
But chronically underused West Ham favourite Downes could leave after just one season and seven starts claims a report.
TEAMtalk has claimed its sources have told them new Southampton boss Russell Martin wants a reunion with Downes.
And the report states the move could happen because West Ham’s plans to sign two midfielders to replace Rice and Manuel Lanzini could actually push Downes further down Moyes’ pecking order.
It is claimed the sales of Romeo Lavia and James Ward-Prowse will provide the funds necessary for Saints to buy Downes.
“TEAMtalk has learned new Saints boss Russell Martin is keen to reunite with Flynn Downes,” the report states.
‘We’ve been told…’
“Martin managed the 24-year-old during their time at Swansea City. Downes was a £12m signing from Swansea last summer, though regular starts were in frustratingly short supply last term.
“Downes racked up 35 appearances across all competitions for West Ham, though of his 21 league outings, only seven were starts…
“We’ve been told the potential proceeds from selling Lavia and/or Ward-Prowse will be partially reinvested in new signings and Downes is the player in Martin’s sights.”
Downes has admitted in interviews that he has found it tough under Moyes.
And last month the West Ham boss poured cold water on suggestions he could be a ready made replacement for Rice.
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