West Ham United are set to have discussions with Flynn Downes about his future when he returns from his loan at Southampton, according to Give Me Sport.
Danny Rust reported (21 May) that the midfielder is set to return to the London Stadium in the coming days after the Saints’ Play-Off final.
His future at the club will be decided by Julen Lopetegui after his first pre-season as head coach of the Hammers.
David Moyes’ departure could prove to have an impact on Downes and the likelihood of him staying in East London next season.
Should West Ham United keep Flynn Downes?
Downes has already suggested that he would “love” to stay at St Mary’s for longer after a positive campaign [Daily Echo].
Under Russell Martin this campaign, the Hammers loanee has made 35 Championship appearances where he has scored two and assisted two [FotMob].
Downes is a versatile box-to-box or defensive midfielder who likes to get the ball at his feet and keep the ball ticking over.
This has made him an ideal option under Martin this campaign as he opts to play a system heavily set on quick passing while building from the back.
He likes to play layoff passes which allow his teammates to get forward while Downes drops back to cover them at times.
It is unclear what sort of football Lopetegui will adopt at West Ham and Downes’ future at the club will hinge on that decision.
He could certainly be a useful squad option behind the likes of James Ward-Prowse and Tomas Soucek next season.
If the Hammers’ new head coach doesn’t fancy him, he is sure to find a home at St Mary’s.
