Crystal Palace are closing in on the signing of Swansea City midfielder Flynn Downes.
The 23-year-old excelled last season, making 39 appearances in all competitions for the Swans, including 37 outings in the Championship as Russell Martin's side finished 15th in the table. Downes only signed for Swansea last August in a £1.5million move from Ipswich Town, with Palace now set to pay more than five times that amount to bring him to south London.
The Eagles have had an eye on Downes since before he moved to the Swansea.com Stadium last year, although decided to move for him this summer amid other interest from Premier League rivals Southampton and Wolves. And, as revealed by WalesOnline over the weekend, Patrick Vieira ’s side seem to have beaten off Downes’ other suitors to add him to their ranks for the upcoming season.
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Palace first made an approach for Downes two years ago whilst he was still at Ipswich Town but were said to be unwilling to pay the £2million asking price set by the Tractor Boys. Since then, the midfielder’s value has steadily risen thanks to a number of impressive performances in the second tier, meaning he is now expected to be on the move for a second summer running.
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That’s despite still having three years left on his contract in south Wales, with Swansea head coach Martin suggesting his player was completely settled at the club back in April after news emerged that the newly-appointed Leeds United coach Jesse Marsch was interested in signing him.
"I wouldn't have thought they're [Leeds] the only team looking at him,” he told reporters. "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.”
Palace have been in the market for midfielders this summer following the departure of Conor Gallagher back to Chelsea following the end of his season-long loan spell and Cheikhou Kouyate after his contract expired without a renewal agreed upon.
The club’s main transfer target for the summer was 22-year-old Lens midfielder Cheick Doucoure, with the French club accepting Palace’s improved second bid of an initial £18million plus add-ons last week. Personal terms are not expected to be an issue having already been agreed upon prior to the transfer fee being set.
Palace have already announced the signing of 18-year-old winger Malcolm Ebiowei on a free transfer from Derby County as well as another free move for England international goalkeeper Sam Johnstone. The shot-stopper’s contract at West Brom expired at the end of June, with the Eagles moving quickly to tie him down to a four-year deal in SE25.
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