Ipswich Town midfielder Flynn Downes has “handed in” a transfer request amid interest from Crystal Palace.
Crystal Palace Target Submits Transfer Request
Town Rejected Two Bids From Crystal Palace For Flynn Downes
The 21-year-old has been subject to interest from the Premier League side for most of the summer.
Palace have monitored Downes, who started 31 games for Town last season, for some time according to The Athletic.
Town have rejected two bids from the top-flight club, the most recent being around £2 million.
It is believed that the Suffolk side are holding out for at least £4 million, but value the midfielder as an asset crucial to their long-term success.
The East Anglian Daily Times claim owner Marcus Evans will not sell Downes on the cheap, with an ideal figure of £8 million touted.
In an interview last week, Downes – who remains contracted until 2023 – responded to a question about whether future his future lies with Town by saying: “Yeah, hopefully. We’ll see.
“You can never say for sure, but hopefully I will be. I’ve heard little bits and bobs, but I’m just focusing on the football.
“That’s all I can say really. Everything will be taken care of.”
But, according to Matt Woosnam of The Athletic, Downes has handed in a transfer request at Portman Road.
#ITFC midfielder Flynn Downes has handed in a transfer request @TheAthleticUK understands, after Ipswich rejected two offers from #CPFC
Latest offer for the 21-year-old worth around £2 million.
Part of a drive to sign younger talent, detailed here 👇🏻https://t.co/YE5ZxfP9Iu
— Matt Woosnam (@MattWoosie) September 1, 2020
Palace Target Adding Depth to the Squad
Palace are keen on a revolution at Selhurst Park, with youth prospects proving the way forward.
The Eagles’ most recent youthful addition is the arrival of 22-year-old Eberechi Eze from QPR.
Eze, an attacking midfielder, was one of the stand-out players in the Championship last season.
Having impressed in the Eagles’ pre-season friendly with Charlton Athletic, the young midfielder could be fighting for a starting place under Roy Hodgson.
Downes would, however, be an unlikely regular starting at Selhurst Park.
The 21-year-old would more likely warrant a back-up or rotation role, featuring from the substitutes’ bench.
Another option, should the Eagles sign Downes, would be a loan move to the Championship.
The temporary departure would allow the midfielder to gain first-team experience at a top-end second-tier side.
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