According to Dharmesh Sheth of Sky Sports, Flynn Downes is already on the second part of his West Ham medical despite strong interest from Crystal Palace.
What’s the story?
Well, talkSPORT’s Alex Crook claims that the south Londoners felt they had wrapped up a deal for the 23-year-old, but their pursuit has now been hijacked by the east Londoners.
As we detailed yesterday, that is no surprise to us whatsoever, as Downes – and his family – are all huge West Ham fans, so the chance to play for his boyhood club in Europe was clearly too good to refuse.
According to Sheth, the England Under-20 international’s move to the London Stadium is now “accelerating” as he moves onto the next part of his medical with the Irons.
Wolves were also interested in signing Downes, while Leeds viewed him as someone who could potentially replace Kalvin Phillips at Elland Road.
In Crystal Palace’s case, their interest in the playmaker dates back to his days at Ipswich, where he handed in a transfer request to force a move to Selhurst Park, following a number of bids from the Eagles.
Now, he looks set to join his boyhood side as he makes the step up from the Championship into the Premier League.
Crystal Palace have an alternative after West Ham hijack
Fear not Crystal Palace fans, as it seems Dougie Freedman has already moved on to his next option.
It has been said that Crystal Palace are confident of signing Morgan Gibbs-White from Wolves, a player who also shone in the Championship last season while on loan at Sheffield United.
Everton and Leeds are also interested in the 22-year-old, but he is temped to join the Eagles, who feel he has what it takes to make the England squad relatively soon.
Be sure to keep an eye on that specific pursuit, as a sum of £20m is expected to be enough.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
