Captain raves about ‘absolutely unbelievable’ player Leeds want to sign

Follow us on Google Discover

Swansea City captain Matt Grimes is convinced the ‘unbelievable’ Flynn Downes can go ‘right to the top’ with Leeds United keen to bring the midfielder to the Premier League, speaking to the Swans Twitter account. 

If Crystal Palace had been willing to part with more than £1.5 million for the then-Ipswich Town midfielder, Downes might already be an established part of the top-flight furniture. 

And Palace’s loss could be Leeds’ gain. 

Downes, after all, has taken his game to a whole new level since joining Swansea less than 12 months ago. So much so that, according to The Times, Leeds have identified the former England U20 international as a potential replacement for Kalvin Phillips should the so-called ‘Yorkshire Pirlo’ take his wondrous passing range to Aston Villa in the upcoming summer transfer window. 

Will Flynn Downes be Kalvin Phillips’ Leeds successor?

One suspects Grimes, who has witnessed Downes’ talents first-hand at the Liberty Stadium this term, won’t be surprised if Jesse Marsch’s side firm up their interest in the Ipswich academy graduate.

“Flynn’s been absolutely unbelievable since he signed,” says Grimes, the Swansea skipper.

“I think he’s been first class. His attitude he brings to training everyday… he’s a top, top player. If his dedication and work ethic is anything to go by, I think he can go right to the top.” 

Dedication and work-ethic.

Two attributes every Leeds United player must have in spades if they are to make it at Elland Road. Especially under Jesse Marsch, a graduate from the Red Bull school of coaching and a man headhunted by Leeds due to his stylistic similarities with predecessor Marcelo Bielsa. 

A new midfielder appears to be Marsch’s top target heading his first summer as Leeds boss. USA international Brenden Aaronson – who shone under Marsch at Red Bull Salzburg – continues to be linked. As does Lewis O’Brien.

James Garner, the Nottingham Forest loanee contracted to Leeds’ bitter rivals Manchester United, is another target, alongside former West Ham youngster Josh Cullen.