West Ham plan to accept £15m Flynn Downes offer – sources
West Ham are holding out for a fee of £15million for Flynn Downes after opening talks with Southampton, sources have told Football Insider.
Negoiations with the Saints over a permanent transfer are advancing after the 25-year-old’s successful loan spell last season.
Various formulas have been discussed for the deal, including a cash-plus-player swap deal which would see Kyle Walker-Peters move the other way.
The Hammers are aiming to make around £5million in profit after signing Downes from Swansea for £10million two years ago.
This comes after Football Insider previously revealed that Julen Lopetegui is looking to strengthen his midfield, which could make room for Downes’ exit.
West Ham make £15million demand in Flynn Downes talks
Since his move from Swansea, Downes has featured 35 times for the Hammers, although 20 of those appearances came from the bench.
A loan move to Southampton last season saw him play a key role as they earned promotion from the Championship via the playoffs after defeating Leeds United.
His 37 appearances for the Saints saw the midfielder become a fans’ favourite at St Mary’s.
Upon their promotion to the Premier League, keeping Downes at the club has become a priority for Southampton, but the Hammers will stand their ground over the price tag.
With Walker-Peters possibly heading in the opposite direction, no terms have been finalised yet and the clubs are still some way from finding an agreement.
The right-back has just one year left on his current contract at St. Mary’s, with the Hammers made aware of his possible availability.
In other news, Ben Johnson has passed his medical at Ipswich Town.
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