When the Scot and Steidten spent £64m to sign Edson Alvarez and James Ward-Prowse last summer, it was clear Downes was not going to be a starter for West Ham.
Whether anything changes now Lopetegui has taken over remains to be seen. Although a big favourite with his fellow West Ham fans, many wonder whether Downes has what it takes to be a starter in central midfield for the Hammers in the Premier League.
Saints have an option to buy Downes for around £12m – a slight profit for West Ham on their original £10.5m outlay.
Reporting prior to the final stated Southampton would only be able to transfer kitty. It may have been a £120m game for Saints but it was a £12m match for the Hammers.
Martin will want a proven Premier League goalscorer to help his side try and stay up. Previous links to Ings suggests Martin is a fan and the striker would surely be open to the move having previously been reluctant to drop down to the Championship.
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