Southampton are eager to secure Flynn Downes on a permanent deal this summer, a player strongly endorsed by manager Russell Martin since his arrival. Downes’ loan spell from West Ham United showcased his superiority in the Championship, consistently dominating the midfield and winning over the St Mary’s faithful.
The primary objective for Southampton this transfer window is to finalize Downes’ permanent transfer. With reports suggesting West Ham is now open to offers, Southampton is optimistic about securing the 25-year-old for a fee below £15 million.
Nevertheless, should circumstances prevent Downes’ permanent move, Southampton is preparing a contingency plan. They are currently keeping a close watch on an alternative talent valued at £20 million.
Southampton have shown interest in Liverpool midfielder Tyler Morton, as reported by the Daily Mail. The south coast club is said to be monitoring the situation closely, with RB Leipzig currently leading the race after making initial enquiries.
Liverpool, with a surplus of midfield options, see this summer as an opportune moment to potentially sell the 21-year-old Morton, who has impressed during loan spells at Blackburn Rovers and Hull City.
However, acquiring Morton will likely require a significant investment, as Liverpool has set a price tag of £20 million for the talented midfielder. Interest from Bournemouth adds to the competition for his signature.
Morton could play Flynn Downes Southampton role
Tyler Morton has shown significant development during his loan spells in the Championship, accumulating 79 league appearances over the past two seasons. Despite limited opportunities with Liverpool, where he made just nine appearances, Morton’s talent was always evident, although concerns about his physicality were raised by Jurgen Klopp during his teenage years.
Klopp commented on Morton’s potential back in October 2021, following a Carabao Cup match against Preston when Morton was 18 years old: “You can see Tyler Morton. We have to send him to the gym as if he gets a body, he’s a brilliant footballer. There are some things to come physique wise, but the football brain is outstanding.”
After two seasons in the Championship, Morton has made significant strides physically while retaining the technical ability and football intelligence necessary to excel as a holding midfielder in Russell Martin’s Southampton team. His impressive performances in a similar role for Hull City last season suggest he could be a suitable alternative to Flynn Downes.
Considering Southampton’s performance in league games without Downes last season, winning only two out of ten, there’s a strong argument for targeting Morton regardless of whether Downes is signed permanently. The pivotal nature of the number six position in their style of play underscores Morton’s potential value to the team.
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