Phil Sumbler
Yesterday’s papers suggested that Manchester City’s interest in midfielder Kalvin Phillips could mean Leeds turning their attention to Flynn Downes as a potential replacement as they look to build on their last day Premier League survival.
It was some time ago now that Downes was first linked with a move to Elland Road and it is becoming increasingly more speculated within Swansea that Downes could well be a high profile departure from SA1 this summer.
It is widely known (and accepted?) that the Swans need to sell to build the club and with interest in both Downes and Joel Piroe expected a double sale could hand Russell Martin a transfer boost this summer which could allow for a substantial strengthening of his squad.
The Swans are already believed to have identified a move for Joe Allen as the replacement for Downes with the boss already hinting at it in recent weeks by saying that there was currently no room for Allen in the squad but that could change should there be some moves outwards.ย ย One of those moves was (and still is) Jay Fulton but several sources have suggested that the club are braced for interest in Downes as well with Leeds one of the names already mentioned as showing an interest.
The Daily Mail have already reported that Premier League Champions Manchester City want to make a move for Phillips as a replacement for Fernandinho who is departing the Ethiad this summer after nine years with the club.
As with most moves by Manchester City they can extend their financial muscle to pretty much secure any player that they want and whilst Leeds may want to hold onto their prized asset they will find it difficult to prevent him wanting to move to a side who have won four of the last five Premier League targets.
So it starts to feel as if his exit is inevitable and that is likely to have a knock on effect here if they come calling as Downes is unlikely to be able to resist the opportunity to put his skills to the test in the Premier League.
Russell Martin said last monthย “Hopefully Flynn is one who is with us for a long time. It gives us the best chance of getting into the league we want to be in eventually, keeping a group of players together for long enough to do it.
“But we know the financial situation, we probably have to sell one or two every year. But Flynn I really want to keep. If we can find a way around that we will.”
There is many ifs, buts and maybes about this at this stage but as Martin said we have to sell one or two every year and Downes is one of those who is likely to attract interest as frustrating as it maybe for us as fans to see it happen.
We know full well that any big deal will be hard for us and the player to turn down so we have to sit back, brace ourselves for what may happen and take it from there.
Speculation rife, it is the summer after all!
