Flynn Downes says Swansea City could be "scary" next season and believes their target should be to win the league after revealing he's taking no notice of transfer interest in his services.
The midfielder has been a revelation since signing on from Ipswich Town last summer, and his displays in a white shirt have attracted admiring glances from clubs further up the food chain. Top-flight outfit Leeds United have been credited with interest in the 23-year-old, who are keeping tabs on him should Kalvin Phillips move on this summer. Even if the England international doesn't leave Elland Road come the off-season, Downes is still likely to be coveted.
And although he says playing in the Premier League is his "dream", he says he is really excited to be part of what Russell Martin is trying fashion in south Wales.
READ MORE: Leeds United's hopes of signing Swansea City's Flynn Downes just got a telling response
He said: "To be honest, I don’t take any notice of stuff like that. I know every player says the same but I actually haven’t taken any notice. When I was at Ipswich I felt like I took too much notice of what was going on, and I have really learned from that and promised myself I would not be like that again. So, I will just carry on doing what I do and concentrate on my football.
"It’s football and anything can happen, but I love it here and I am happy here. Next year, I have high hopes for what we can achieve so I am not thinking about anything else. I have always said playing in the Premier League is dream, I really want to do that.
"I know people say the money changes when you are in the Premier League, but there’s more to life than money. I have learned that. I am really happy here, I have just bought a house down here and am getting settled. It was a bit stressful, but we got there in the end!
"But, there is more to life than money, I am loving my football down here. I love everything about this place; the coaches, the players, the staff, the area. I am happy and hopefully (I can achieve my goal of playing in the Premier League here). I really do believe that, it’s not just me coming in here and saying it. I really do believe we will.”
Downes is as confident off the field as his displays are on it. His hopes and aspirations for Swansea and his team-mates for next season are clear for all to see. He has been integral to the way in which Martin is trying to play and his vision for what's to come.
“I think next year is really, really promising," he said.
“I am more than excited. From what we have done this year, if you just give us a bit more time and we have a full pre-season together, I think it could be scary. Win the league. Just put it out there – why not? I think this year, when I go into a game, I think I am talking on behalf of all the boys here, there’s not one team that we go in and think [we cannot beat].
“Next year, when we have had more time, I can see us going into every game and being fully confident that we are going to win every game. You have got to aim high haven’t you?”
Martin previously revealed that he believes Leeds won't be the only ones monitoring Downes' progress in SA1, such has been his form and his very obvious potential.
"I wouldn't have thought they're [Leeds] the only team looking at him," Martin told WalesOnline. "As far as we're concerned, Flynn's just bought a house in Swansea, he loves it, his partner loves it. He's loving what we're doing on the pitch.
"He has a great relationship with all of the coaching staff and players. He's really well respected and I think the fans really like him.
"I think that counts a lot for someone like Flynn, after the tough time he had last year, I don't think it's just about jumping at any opportunity. Ultimately we haven't had any phone calls from anyone. If we do then we'll have to cross that bridge when it comes to it.
"That was part of our remit when we came in, to try to bring in some younger players who would help the club and evolve, and improve them whilst we're doing it. So far he'll be brilliant evidence for other players if they're looking at other clubs, they'll maybe earn more money elsewhere. If you look at people like Flynn, Ben Cabango, [Matt] Grimesy, Joel Piroe, even just looking at their stats and how attractive that'll be for other clubs.
"Hopefully Flynn is one who is with us for a long time. It gives us the best chance of getting into the league we want to be in eventually, keeping a group of players together for long enough to do it.
"But we know the financial situation, we probably have to sell one or two every year. But Flynn I really want to keep. If we can find a way around that we will."
Martin speaks about Downes with much affection and it seems the feeling is mutual. “I can’t thank the gaffer enough," Downes added. "He put a lot of trust in me and believed in me and that’s why I go out there and try to perform, to prove that I can do it. We would have liked to got to the play-offs (this season) but it’s a year of transition and I think in the last few games you can see it is really starting to kick in. The boys are putting in really good performances so that’s exciting for next year.”
