Flynn Downes could be denied a move to Southampton so West Ham can fulfil their homegrown quota.
Although Tim Steidten is off in Brazil desperately trying to bring in some South American talent into the side, West Ham desperately need to sign English players this Summer.
With the likes of Ben Johnson leaving, West Ham will struggle to fulfil their homegrown quota and, therefore, it would make sense to minimise the amount of outgoing Englishmen. However, given how sensational he was during his loan to Southampton, it’s no surprise they are desperate to sign him.
Unfortunately for them, the Sun reports that the Hammers could keep hold of him no matter how much they plan on using him just to help towards the quota.
Despite being a boyhood West Ham fan, Downes clearly puts his career first (as he should) and has made it very clear that he’d be more than happy to return to the south coast. He established a brilliant connection with the fans and has been pivotal to the way that Russell Martin plays. At the same time, if he is given the opportunity to shine again at West Ham under Julen Lopetegui then it’s extremely hard to imagine that he will turn that down.
If they do decide to sell him, it’s crucial they use that money on bringing in another midfielder and, preferably an English one. Realistically though, for the price they’d sell him for, who else would be worth signing instead of him. If Downes had been permanently at Southampton and performing like that then West Ham would likely be looking at signing him, so why would they just let him go?
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