Sources: West Ham greenlight Southampton loan for Flynn Downes with deciding factor revealed

Southampton have agreed a deal to sign West Ham United midfielder Flynn Downes on loan with the player due to undergo a medical later this week, TEAMtalk understands.

West Ham are open to sending Downes out on loan following the recent arrivals of midfield duo Edson Alvarez from Ajax and James Ward-Prowse from Southampton themselves.

A number of clubs have expressed an interest in taking Downes on loan, but the 24-year-old has opted to make the move to Southampton to be reunited with his former Swansea City boss Russell Martin.

Martin is a big fan of Downes from their time together at Swansea and he sees him as a key addition to his plans at St. Mary’s this season.

Southampton are short of options in midfield following the departure of Ward-Prowse and the expected exit of Romeo Lavia to Chelsea.

Downes joined West Ham from Swansea last summer, but he struggled to hold down a regular place in David Moyes’ side last term.

Former England U20 international Downes made 35 appearances in all competitions for West Ham last season, but only seven of those were as a starter in the Premier League.

West Ham still see Downes as having a long-term future at the London Stadium, but feel a loan move will benefit him by getting regular first-team football this season.

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