FLYNN Downes is expected to join Saints on loan from West Ham according to recent reports.

The 24 year old previously played under Russell Martin at Swansea City prior to completing a £12 million transfer to the Hammers.

The report comes after news broke that West Ham have reportedly agreed a deal to sign Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse.

Downes made 21 league appearances for the London side last season, however, only started seven games for David Moyes' side.

The Guardian report that the expectation is for Downes to join Southampton on loan, however, there is no indication that the loan is a part of the deal taking Ward-Prowse to the London Stadium.

Speaking about the former Ipswich Town midfielder during their time together at Swansea, Martin said: "I'm running out of superlatives for Flynn.

"He came from League One. He was a really important signing for us. We were really supported by the owners with that signing, and I think it's been justified because he's one of our biggest assets.

"He has all the ingredients he needs to play at the very top. He knows how I feel about him and how we feel about him as a coaching staff and what his ceiling can be.

"I think he can go and play wherever he wants eventually."

Downes made 39 appearances across all companies during his one and only season at Swansea.