Saints seal loan deal for Downes

The 24-year-old has completed a move to St Mary’s for the remainder of the season and reunites with Russell Martin, having also played under the manager at Swansea City.

Downes joined the Welsh club in 2021 from Ipswich Town, where he had started his career, with his form so impressive that West Ham signed him the following summer.

In total, Downes has made 184 senior career appearances, scoring four times, across his time with Ipswich, Luton on loan, Swansea and West Ham.

Director of Football Jason Wilcox said: “Flynn is a really dynamic player and someone who will add a lot of quality in midfield.

“He’s got a great relationship with Russell and his coaching staff already, which means he also comes in with a real understanding of the system and how we want to play, which is ideal for both us and him.

“He’s a young guy, but with plenty of experience already, including in the Premier League, so he’s coming here at a good point in his career and is someone who can help us now but who also has that potential to continue developing.”

Flynn Downes said: “The ambition for the club is obviously to get promoted, to get back in the Premier League, and that enticed me a lot.

“Obviously I’ve worked with the gaffer before. Him (Russell Martin), Gilly (Matt Gill, Assistant Manager), Deano (Dean Thornton, Goalkeeping Coach), Ben (Parker, First Team Tactics & Insights Analyst), I’ve worked with them and I know what they’re about.

“Their attention to detail, the way they play, what they demand of us players – it’s just such a good environment to be in, so it’s a no brainer really.”