Connect with us

Crystal Palace

Report: Crystal Palace looking to beat competition to highly-rated young midfielder

Crystal Palace show interest in exciting 21-year-old who is attracting interest from elsewhere.

Crystal Palace are showing interest in highly-rated young midfielder Flynn Downes, according to TWTD.

The 21-year-old starred for Ipswich prior to the League 1 season being cancelled, with Palace monitoring the youngster before their campaign was cut short.

The Eagles’ Sporting Director Dougie Freedman was spotted at Ipswich’s 2-1 defeat away to Blackpool back in February, however at the time it wasn’t clear who the Premier League outfit where scouting.

Reports now suggest that Palace were keen to keep an eye on Downes, with earlier claims that Luke Woolfenden was the man on their radar now being dismissed.

At just 21-years-old, the midfielder already has 75 appearances for Ipswich under his belt, including 32 in the latest campaign and two goals this season against Tranmere and Shrewsbury.

Palace are not the only club showing interest in Downes though, with reports claiming that Fulham and West Ham United are among those monitoring the youngster.

Top flight status for Roy Hodgson’s men has been secured for next season, making Selhurst Park an attractive option if he is to leave Portman Road.

Palace target Downes is contracted to the Ipswich until the summer of 2022, with the League 1 outfit having the option of adding an extra year on his current deal.

If the Eagles look to make a move for the youngster he could add some bite to their midfield, given his disciplinary record this season.

Downes collected 12 yellow-cards in his 32 appearance this campaign, showing that he isn’t afraid to put himself about – however he may need to channel his aggression better in the Premier League.

If Palace have their sights set on bringing the midfielder to Selhurst Park, they may need to act fast to hold off competition for his signature.

More in Crystal Palace