West Ham agree deal to sell £18m Flynn Downes amid interest in Reiss Nelson

West Ham have agreed to sell midfielder Flynn Downes to Southampton as part of a deal worth up to £18million.

Downes spent last season on loan with the Saints and played a key role as they secured promotion to the Premier League.

Southampton had made the midfielder a key target this summer and have now agreed a deal worth £18m.

Downes is due to have a medical with the club this week before signing a long-term contract with them.

The move could have a knock-on effect for West Ham’s pursuit of Southampton defender Kyle Walker-Peters.

The Hammers are interested in the full-back and talks with Saints are understood to be ongoing.

Downes going the other way as part of a separate deal should help negotiations and enable West Ham to get their man.

Walker-Peters is into the final year of his contract at Southampton and the club risk losing him for free next summer.

West Ham technical director technical director Tim Steidten said earlier this month he is predicting a “busy summer” in the transfer window and it is understood the club are also interested in Arsenal winger Reiss Nelson.

The 24-year-old has struggled for action at Arsenal and is open to leaving the club this summer if the right offer comes along.

West Ham are tracking Nelson, but at present their interest has not transpired into a formal approach.

Nelson, who is a product of Arsenal’s academy, has three years left on his current contract at Emirates Stadium.