It is a summer of change at Southampton, with a number of first team players set to depart following the Saints’ relegation from the Premier League, and Romeo Lavia looks to be a certain departure.
There is plenty of interest from top six sides, including Liverpool and Arsenal, for the teenager, and he could make a big-money move away.
Southampton have reportedly made West Ham United’s Flynn Downes their top target to replace Lavia, as they gear up for a season in the Championship under Russell Martin.
The midfielder started just seven league games for West Ham last season, but made 39 appearances under Martin at Swansea prior to his move to East London.
How does Downes compare to Lavia?
It is easy to see why Downes is being targeted to replace the Belgium international, given that the 24-year-old is of a similar profile, and will arrive with plenty of Championship experience.
Both Downes and Lavia rank highly among midfielders for blocks and passing, highlighting their robust style in the middle of the park.
Lavia however, ranks higher than Downes when it comes to ball progression. This is an area of weakness for Downes, and whilst he may find it easier in the Championship, there will be a drop in quality in midfield when it comes to moving the ball forward.
Lavia also ranks significantly higher when it comes to dribbling, as one of his main strengths is his ball-carrying ability, whilst Downes is placed in the bottom 1% of European midfielders for his lesser ability on the ball.
Whilst Downes represents a downgrade in quality from the rich talent of Lavia, he could be a useful signing in terms of profile: 24, with Championship experience, and has played under Martin before.
If the Saints can pull off this signing, it will be a step in the right direction as they prepare for a difficult season.