Southampton remain locked in a battle for promotion to the Premier League this season.
The Saints got their push for promotion back on track on Saturday afternoon, with a dramatic 4-3 win at Birmingham City.
They are however, still 4th in the table, five points adrift of the automatic promotion places.
As a result, it could be some time before we know what division Russell Martin‘s side will be playing in during the 2024/25 campaign.
Even so, Southampton still look to be making plans for this summer’s transfer widow regardless of that.
Now it seems as though those ideas for when the market reopens, will include one player who is currently on loan at St Mary’s.
Southampton want permanent Flynn Downes deal
According to The Athletic’s West Ham reporter Roshane Thomas, Southampton will prioritise the permanent signing of Flynn Downes in the summer transfer window.
Downes is currently on loan at St Mary’s from the Hammers. That is a move that has reunited him with Martin, who he previously played under at Swansea City.
That loan move does now include an option to buy. The Premier League side are said to have been reluctant to include such a clause.
However, Southampton will apparently look to complete that deal regardless.
There are currently just over three years remaining on Downes’ contract with West Ham. That secures his future at The London Stadium until the end of the 2026/27 season.
Saints will want this deal done
It would be a very good piece of business for Southampton if they can complete the permanent signing of Downes.
The midfielder has been a huge presence in the centre of the park this season, with Martin describing him as ‘immense’ earlier in the campaign.
Indeed, it should also be noted that during the club’s recent run of four defeats in five, Downes missed all of those games due to injury.
That arguably shows how important it could be for Southampton to keep the midfielder at the club in the long-term.
Admittedly, the fact there is so long remaining on his contract with his parent club, means West Ham are in a strong position to negotiate any offer made by the Saints.
However, the Hammers do have plenty of other options in the centre of their midfield. Meanwhile, Downes found game time hard to come by at the London Stadium last season.
Both parties could therefore be open to this move. Indeed, the chance to continue playing at a club where he knows he will get opportunities, under a manager he is familiar with, should ensure this is a deal that appeals to Downes.
With that in mind, this is one bit of business Southampton must look to complete once the market reopens.