Wolves miss out as Crystal Palace close in on ‘unbelievable’ £8m man

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Crystal Palace look set to beat Premier League rivals Southampton and Wolves to the signing of Flynn Downes after entering talks with Swansea City over an £8 million deal, as reported by the Daily Mail.

All eyes were on the former England U20 international as Russell Martin’s Swans stepped up their pre-season preparations on Tuesday. And, as expected, Downes was conspicuous by his absence during the friendly clash with Colchester United.

Is this an indication that one of the Championship’s best up-and-coming midfielders is on his way out of the Liberty Stadium? Well, it is no secret that Swansea may be forced to sell before they can buy this summer. And Downes – alongside Joel Piroe and Ben Cabango – is the club’s most valuable, sellable asset.

Is Flynn Downes finally heading to Crystal Palace

According to Wales Online, the South Wales outfit value Downes at £12 million. Crystal Palace are hoping to seal a deal for closer to £8 million, however, and have since emerged as the clear frontrunners despite rival interest from Southampton and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Palace are now in talks for Downes. A long-term transfer target, The Eagles tried and failed to sign the tenacious box-to-boxer back in 2020, with Ipswich Town refusing to accept a cut-price bid from the Premier League outfit.

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

“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.”

Leeds United are also admirers of Downes. The Whites have turned their attention to Tyler Adams instead, however, with Mohamad Camara another candidate to join Marc Roca at Elland Road.

Downes could soon be tasked with forging a new-look midfield partnership with Cheick Doucoure at Selhurst Park. The £18 million powerhouse is training alone at Lens as he awaits the conclusion of his move to South London.