Southampton closing in on deal to sign Flynn Downes permanently

Downes, 25, played 37 times for Southampton last season as they won promotion back to the Premier League via the playoffs.

The midfielder was instrumental in Russell Martin's side last year. Southampton only won two of the 10 league games they played without him.

On Saturday, Martin said he would "cry himself to sleep" if Downes is not wearing a Southampton shirt come the end of the season.

Sky Sports report that Downes has been given permission to have a medical with Saints ahead of a return to the club.

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They are reporting that Saints have agreed to pay West Ham £18million for the former Ipswich Town and Swansea City man.

Saints right-back Kyle Walker-Peters has reportedly not been included in the agreement, although the Hammers remain interested in him.

The two-time England international is in the final year of his contract and Saints are reluctant to allow him to leave on a free transfer. 

Downes has been away with his boyhood club West Ham on their pre-season training camp in Austria.

Flynn Downes played a key role in Southampton's promotion last season (Image: Richard Crease)

He was not named among their 25-man squad to face Ferencvárosi in a pre-season friendly in Kitzbühel on Monday.

Speaking to the Daily Echo last season, Downes expressed his love for Saints saying: "I love it here.

"I love the gaffer. I love the staff. I love this place. Obviously, we will have to see what happens."

Downes scooped the Southern Daily Echo's Player of the Year for the 2023/24 season after his heroics in the Championship.

In a message to supporters after receiving the award, Downes said: “A massive thank you to everyone who voted for me in this award.

"To receive recognition for awards like this from the fans is something that I am very proud of. It’s been a really exciting season to be a part of this football club and I’ve enjoyed every minute."

Downes was later showered with chants of "we want you to stay" at Southampton's promotion party outside St Mary's.

Manager Martin and club captain Jack Stephens egged fans on in a public demonstration of their eagerness to keep the midfielder.