Crystal Palace and West Ham United would have to pay around £10 million for Flynn Downes, with the East Anglian Daily Times reporting that Ipswich Town owner Marcus Evans will not sell the midfielder on the cheap.
If the stalling Tractor Boys are hoping to avoid a repeat of a disastrous 2019/20 season, in which they finished 11th in League One after a dramatic collapse, then they cannot afford to each and every one of their homegrown heroes.
Fortunately, star centre-back Luke Woolfenden has already put an end to speculation over his future by signing a new, long-term contract.
Keeping Downes, however, could be easier said than done.
A skilful schemer brilliantly nicknamed ‘Flynedine Zidownes’ by some of the more optimistic Ipswich supporters, the 21-year-old was perhaps the most impressive performer in Paul Lambert’s squad last season.
But with London-based trio Crystal Palace, West Ham and Arsenal all expressing an interest, Downes must be tempted by the opportunity to swap Rochdale, Gillingham and Bristol Rovers for a chance in the Premier League.
According to the EADT, however, Evans wants around £10 million for the Brentwood-born midfielder, safe in the knowledge that he is under contract for another two years – with an option for a third.
It is no secret that Crystal Palace are trying to lower the average age of the Premier League’s second-oldest squad, and Downes would be the latest young playmaker to join after Dundee United starlet Scott Banks.
TWTD reported this month that Dougie Freedman, Palace’s director of football, scouted Downes before the third-tier season was curtailed.
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