Sources: Flynn Downes rejects West Ham part-exchange plan
Flynn Downes is not keen to leave West Ham for Southampton this summer, sources have told Football Insider.
The 24-year-old has been widely linked with the recently-relegated outfit amid the Irons’ interest in James Ward-Prowse – with a potential part-exchange deal mooted.
But a well-placed source has told Football Insider that Downes doesn’t want to drop down to the second tier despite having the chance to reunite with former Swansea boss Russell Martin at St Mary’s Stadium.
The midfielder only left the Swans to join West Ham last summer (2022).
It is believed he is keen to remain a Premier League player after fighting to earn a move to his boyhood club.
Downes cost West Ham a reported fee of £12million and signed a five-year deal at the London Stadium.
He made 35 appearances across all competitions in his first season as an Irons player, starting in 15 of those outings.
A large portion of his involvement came in the Europa Conference League as David Moyes’ side famously lifted the trophy to earn Europa League qualification.
Downes has racked up almost 150 games in the EFL during spells with Luton, Ipswich and Swansea.
He emerged as a target for Southampton as a result of West Ham’s interest in captain James Ward-Prowse.
Football Insider revealed on Friday (21 July) that the Londoners saw a verbal bid for Ward-Prowse rejected earlier in the summer window.
Moyes’ side are expected to formalise their interest in the England international with an official bid in due course.
Their interest in the midfielder comes after they sanctioned a British-record move for Declan Rice to Arsenal last week.
In other news, West Ham three-man signing plan revealed.