RUSSEL MARTIN has revealed he will “cry himself to sleep” if Southampton do not sign West Ham star Flynn Downes.
The new Premier League boss is bolstering his squad ahead of their first season back in the top flight after beating Leeds United 1-0 in the play-off final.
Martin wanted to complete a deal for Downes, 25, last month but the transfer has been stalled.
The Saints have already secured five new signings to their squad including Taylor Harwood-Bellis – making his loan from Manchester City permanent for £20million – and Adam Lallana on a free transfer.
And Martin is desperate to sign Hammers man Downes, who was on loan at St Mary’s last season and was a key player in their promotion.
He said to the Athletic: “Hopefully, before the end of the summer, he will be in a Southampton shirt.
“If he’s not, I will cry myself to sleep. It will take more time. We just have to be patient. I wanted him here last week, four weeks ago even.
“I hope, that at some point, we will show enough love and give West Ham enough money [for him].”
Downes is a product of also newly promoted side Ipswich after making his debut for the senior side in 2017.
Spending a season on loan at Luton in 2018 Downes then established himself at the Tractor Boys.
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The 25-year-old then made a move to Swansea in 2021 before he landed in East London the following year.
In his first season at the Hammers, the Essex boy won the Europa Conference League before spending the year at Southampton after falling down the pecking order in David Moyes‘ squad.
Downes made 37 appearances in all competitions for Martin’s side last term with two goals and three assists.
Southampton open their Premier League campaign against Newcastle on August 17.
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