By Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

10th Aug, 2023 | 12:43pm

Sources: Leeds United and Southampton race to sign West Ham star Flynn Downes

Southampton, Leeds, Middlesbrough and Crystal Palace are racing to sign West Ham midfielder Flynn Downes, sources have told Football Insider.

The quartet are in the market for midfield reinforcements before the transfer window closes.

It is believed the four clubs have registered their interest in Downes amid growing signs he could leave West Ham.

The 24-year-old could find himself pushed down the pecking order due to the incoming arrivals of Edson Alvarez and James Ward-Prowse.

Downes could now be tempted by a move away in search of regular first-team football.

The midfielder made the switch to the London Stadium last summer in a £9million move from Swansea City.

His current contract runs until 2027 and includes the option of a further 12 months.

Downes made 35 appearances for the Hammers across all competitions last term and featured heavily in the early stages of the Europa Conference League winning campaign but was an unused substitute in the final.

He was in the starting lineup for six of the 11 European outings he featured in.

Southampton and Leeds are in the market for midfield reinforcements following their relegation to the Championship.

Middlesbrough will be looking to add strength to their squad as they hunt for promotion to the top flight following their play-off disappointment last term.

Michael Carrick’s side narrowly lost out on a place in the final after a second-leg 1-0 defeat to Coventry City.

In other news, West Ham up bid by £5m to get deal done, David Moyes and Tim Steidten both want him.