SAINTS boss Russell Martin has urged supporters to be patient as the club pursue a permanent transfer for West Ham's Flynn Downes.

The 25-year-old midfielder is back with the Hammers for pre-season following a successful loan stint at Southampton last season.

Downes was a key man in Martin's side as they won promotion back to the Premier League via the playoffs.

The Daily Echo have reported that Downes is keen on returning to the south coast ahead of the 2024/25 Premier League season.

Speaking at a Q&A with supporters on Saturday, Martin explained that he wanted Downes in the building "last week" but patience is required to secure a deal.

He said: "It will take more time. We just have to be patient. I wanted him here last week, four weeks ago even. 

"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,” he joked.

READ MORE: New Saints Women boss sets out expectations and details Spacey-Cale relationship

READ MORE: Southampton's Dom Ballard scores on return from injury in pre-season

Kyle Walker-Peters has been linked with a move to West Ham as Julen Lopetegui bids to secure a new right-back.

Two-time England international Walker-Peters has entered the final 12 months of his contract and Saints are reluctant to allow players to leave on a free transfer.

Asked for clarity over Walker-Peters' future, Martin explained: "Discussions are ongoing and they will be for a while. He had a great season 

“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.”