Flynn Downes makes big Southampton FC future claim amid West Ham uncertainty | OneFootball

Flynn Downes has reiterated his stance on his Southampton future and said that he would love to stay with the club following the end of his loan spell.

The 25-year-old has become an integral part of the Saints' system. His temporary stint with the club has been one of success, and one that has seen him find his footballing feet again, following a tough first season with West Ham United.

Downes joined the London-based club from Swansea City, where he worked under current boss Russell Martin, for £12 million. He only made 32 appearances in all competitions last season. He has better that in the 2023/24 campaign from Championship games alone.

According to the Evening Standard, West Ham are going to give the Englishman a chance to try and impress those at his parent club in pre-season, and Southampton will try and pursue a move if they win promotion.

A deal may be tough to do if they fail to win the play-offs, but there is no uncertainty about Downes' willingness to stick around at St Mary's.

Flynn Downes states Southampton transfer position

The 25-year-old has said that he would want to come back to the Saints after his current loan spell with the club expires, but he added that there have been no talks between him and his parent club over a potential summer move away from the London Stadium.

"Of course, I would love to stay here next season," said Downes, to the Daily Echo.

"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."

He continued: "I haven't had any serious conversations at all (with West Ham).

"We are going to try and get the job done here and then talk about what is going on moving forward."

The midfielder reflected on Sunday afternoon's game against the Baggies, and he believes that he and his teammates got a good result at the Hawthorns.

"We will 100 per cent take the result," Downes said. "Your main objective when you come away from home is to keep a clean sheet and we have.

"We weathered their storm early doors - that was all they could throw at us. The boys defended unbelievably in the first 15 minutes.

"Then I thought we played our stuff and kept it moving. The conditions were tough in the warm weather - it was tough to keep going.

"Coming into this game we wanted to win. It wasn't about holding on for a 0-0 draw - we came here to win the game. But the game played out how it did. We kept it under control and managed the game."

Southampton draw vs West Brom helps their chances of signing Downes

Martin's side have put themselves in a good position for the second leg between them and Albion. Although it wasn't the dazzling performance that we are used to seeing from Southampton, when they are at their best, it was a professional one, and one that gave them the upper hand.

The impetus is now on Carlos Corberan and his players to go and get a result at St Mary's, or to try and take it to penalties. Their high-pressing style, which worked to good effect on Sunday, could work against them if Southampton are firing with their home crowd behind them.

Leeds United and Norwich City's stale draw at Carrow Road should also give confidence to whichever of Southampton and West Brom make it through their semi-final.

These factors combined all improve the odds, even if it's just ever so slightly for now, of a Premier League return for the Saints, and a better chance of bringing Downes back to the south coast permanently.