Southampton’s failure to sign Flynn Downes on a permanent deal from West Ham will have boss Russell Martin crying himself to sleep.
The 25-year-old enjoyed a hugely successful loan spell at St Mary’s last season where he helped the south coast side return to the Premier League via the play-offs.
He chipped in with two goals and three assists from 37 games, where he quickly became a firm fan favourite.
talkSPORT reported last month how Southampton and West Ham were in talks over a swap between Downes and right-back Kyle Walker-Peters,
But an agreement between the two teams is yet to be reached, which has seen Downes report back to the Hammers for pre-season training.
And Martin has pleaded for Saints chiefs to quickly thrash out a deal for the former Swansea star – for the sake of his own welfare.
Speaking at a Q&A session with fans on Saturday, Martin was asked about the club’s pursuit of the player.
To which he said: “It will take more time. We just have to be patient. I wanted him here last week, four weeks ago even.
“When someone is owned by another club, and they are a good player, they are always going to try and keep them.
“I hope, that at some point, we will show enough love and give West Ham enough money.
“Hopefully, before the end of the season, he will be in a Southampton shirt. If he’s not, I will cry myself to sleep.”
Downes, who won the Europa Conference League with West Ham in his opening season, has made no secret of his openness to play for Southampton next campaign.
He told the Daily Echo in May: “Of course, I would love to stay here next season.
“I love it here. I love the gaffer. I love the staff. I love this place.
“Obviously, we will have to see what happens. I won’t know too much until I go back to West Ham.
“We will see what happens there.”
News Summary:
- Russell Martin says he will ‘cry himself to sleep’ if Southampton don’t sign Premier League star this summer
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