Flynn Downes has handed in a transfer request as the Crystal Palace target looks to force a move away from Ipswich Town during the summer window, according to the Standard.
While the Tractor Boys have succeeded in tying down two of their most highly-rated academy graduates to new contracts despite interest from higher up the football pyramid, it seems unlikely that a stylish little midfielder will be following in the footsteps of Luke Woolfenden and Armando Dobra.
Ipswich finished a distant eleventh in League One last season and Downes appears to have little interest in lining up against the Rochdales, the Gillinghams and the Bristol Rovers of the world once again in 2020/21.
The Standard claims that the 21-year-old has handed in a transfer request as he looks to force Ipswich’s hand.
Crystal Palace have already had a £2 million offer rejected, although it remains to be seen whether they are willing to double their bid for a man valued in the region of £4 million.
It is no secret that the Eagles are making a concerted effort to inject some youth into one of the oldest squads in England’s top flight.
Downes, who will not turn 22 until January, would fit in nicely alongside Scott Banks, Nathan Ferguson and Eberechi Eze.
“In my opinion he’s the best midfielder in the league,” Ipswich boss Paul Lambert told TWTD in March of a man brilliantly nicknamed ‘Flynedine Zidownes’ in homage to the Real Madrid legend.
The same publication claimed in July that Dougie Freedman, Crystal Palace’s director of football, had scouted Downes in the flesh earlier in 2020.
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