‘Really want to keep’: Manager seems to confirm Leeds interest in star man

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Premier League outfit Leeds United will face plenty of competition if they want to sign Flynn Downes in the summer transfer window, Swansea City manager Russell Martin tells Wales Online. 

We’re still munching our way through a seemingly endless supply of Mini Eggs but Swansea supporters are already looking to the summer with a great deal of trepidation.

The transfer window isn’t even open yet but a some of Martin’s most reliable footsoldiers are, at this early stage, facing an uncertain future at the Liberty Stadium. 

Leicester City have scouted Joel Piroe on at least four occasions during his debut season in South Wales. The former PSV starlet hit 20 Championship goals with two in Easter Monday’s 4-4 draw with Reading. 

Downes, meanwhile, is a target for a Leeds United side prioritising midfield reinforcements, regardless of whether Kalvin Phillips stays or goes (The Times). 

But, while Martin is desperate to keep an ‘absolutely unbelievable’ player at Swansea, he would be surprised if Leeds are the only club willing to make a bid for a man who has come on leaps and bounds since his arrival from Ipswich Town in 2021. 

Is Flynn Downes heading to Leeds?

“I wouldn’t have thought they (Leeds) are the only team looking at him,” says the former Norwich City and Rangers defender. “As far as we’re concerned, Flynn’s just bought a house in Swansea, he loves it, his partner loves it. He’s loving what we’re doing on the pitch.

“He has a great relationship with all of the coaching staff and players. He’s really well respected and I think the fans really like him. 

“I think that counts a lot for someone like Flynn. Ultimately, we haven’t had any phone calls from anyone. If we do then we’ll have to cross that bridge when it comes to it.”

Swansea paid just over £1 million for Downes, a long-time Crystal Palace target, less than 12 months ago.

One suspects the Swans will demand a sizeable profit from any club looking to fast-track his journey to the Premier League.  

“Hopefully Flynn is one who is with us for a long time,” Martin adds. “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.”