Southampton appear unwilling to allow former Blues midfielder Flynn Downes to join one of their relegation rivals before this evening’s 11pm deadline.
Downes, 26, joined the Saints from West Ham for an initial £15 million in the summer following a successful loan last season, but is now out of favour, with new manager Ivan Juric hinting at a fall out between the pair after Saturday’s game between the teams.
Town were also very interested during the close season but Downes opted to rejoin the Saints given his successful loan and relationship with then-boss Russell Martin, who departed in December.
Despite the apparent friction, we understand the Hampshire club are, as it stands, unwilling to sell to a rival in the Premier League relegation battle.
Whether a bid significantly in excess of the £15 million fee the Saints paid in the summer would change their minds - or would be offered before tonight’s deadline - remains to be seen.
Following Saturday’s 2-1 win at Portman Road, Southampton stayed bottom but are now seven points behind Town in 19th and 10 from safety.
Brentwood-born Downes started his career with the Blues, coming through the academy and making 99 appearances for the club before being sold to Swansea City during Paul Cook’s 2021 Demolition Man summer for an initial £1.5 million.
The former England U19 and U20 international moved on to West Ham, the club he supported as a boy, the following year for £9 million but was unable to establish himself in the East Londoners’ side and was loaned to Southampton for 2023/24, helping them to promotion back to the top flight via the play-offs and subsequently making the move permanent.