Russell Martin has publicly begged Flynn Downes to sign for Southampton permanently, but conceded keeping hold of Kyle Walker-Peters will be “tricky” amidst West Ham interest.
Southampton have done themselves no favours when it comes to negotiating with West Ham. Not only have they slapped a ridiculous price tag on Kyle Walker-Peters, valuing him at £10 million more than Flynn Downes, but they’ve also made it clear just how desperate they are to re-sign the midfielder after his superb loan spell.
This desperation means that, if they’re smart about it, the Hammers can try to get much more than he’s worth. So far, they’ve not tried that though as it’s reported that they’d be willing to accept a straight swap, which is more than fair.
However, the latest comments from the Saints’ manager Russell Martin are just embarrassing as he’s practically got on his knees and begged for Downes to join his side once again. “It will take more time. We just have to be patient. I wanted him here last week, four weeks ago even,” he stated.
“When someone is owned by another club, and they are a good player, they are always going to try and keep them. I hope that, at some point, we will show enough love and give West Ham enough money.”
“Hopefully, before the end of the season, he will be in a Southampton shirt. If he’s not, I will cry myself to sleep,” Martin exclaimed.
Obviously, this is a joke, but it really doesn’t help the club out. It only reinforces in West Ham’s mind that they can rinse this signing for every penny it’s worth and then some.
In regards to the right-back, Russell Martin revealed that the club are trying to get him to extend his deal, but concedes they may have to sell him rather than lose him for nothing in a year’s time. “When a player is in the final year of their contract it’s a tricky scenario really. We will try to keep him, but then, ideally, nobody leaves the building for nothing at the end of the season.”
“I never think it’s the best way when a player is in the last year of their contract. We had it with Stuey and Che last season, but they were amazing.”
“They got better as the season went on. With Kyle, we are in that position. We will have to wait and see. I will keep my fingers crossed that he is still here.”
