Crystal Palace are interested in signing Flynn Downes after sporting director Dougie Freedman scouted the Ipswich Town midfielder earlier this year, according to Anglian publication TWTD.
While the 2019/20 campaign was one to forget yet again for this stalling, spluttering Tractor Boys outfit, at least the performances of some exciting academy graduates gave their fan base something to cheer.
The classy and commanding Luke Woolfenden has established himself as one of the best defensive prospects in the Football League while, further up the pitch, a fleet-footed play-maker nicknamed ‘Flynedine Zidownes’ by some continues to catch the eye.
Downes, a former England u20 international, has already been linked with Fulham and West Ham but, according to reports, another London-based outfit are in the race too.
Crystal Palace sent sporting director Freedman to watch the Essex-born youngster in action back in February, though it remains to be seen whether The Eagles step up their interest during the upcoming transfer window.
It is no secret that Palace are trying to reduce the average age of the second-oldest squad in the Premier League, signing the likes of Scott Banks and Jay-Rich Baghuelou while handing a first-team debut to Tyrick Mitchell (below).
Downes, them, would fit in nicely to Palace’s plans.
“I think he’s been absolutely outstanding – a key player for Paul Lambert,” Ipswich legend Matt Holland told the East Anglian Daily Times recently.
“Whisper it quietly but, if I was a manager somewhere else, he’d be one I would go and sign really because I think he is that good.”
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