Flynn Downes, a loanee, expressed his desire to stay with the Saints for the upcoming season, stating, “I love it here.”
Southampton’s midfielder played a crucial role in advancing to the Championship playoffs.
Saints have only won two of their ten league games without the 25-year-old.
Russell Martin has already stated how crucial promotion will be to their chances of keeping the West Ham player next season.
Downes expressed his desire to stay at St Mary’s, saying, “Of course, I would love to stay here next season.”
“I love it here. I love the gaffer. I adore the staff. I adore this place. Obviously, we’ll have to see what happens.
“I won’t know very much until I return to West Ham.”We’ll see what happens there.”
According to reports, Downes will be given the opportunity to impress at parent club West Ham United next season before making a decision on his future.
In April, he told the Daily Echo that he had not discussed his future plans with the Hammers.
“I haven’t had any serious conversations at all (with West Ham),” he added when asked about recent talks.
“We are going to try and get the job done here and then talk about what is going on moving forward.”
Downes was speaking following Southampton’s 0-0 draw against West Brom in the first leg of their playoff semi-final.
Downes believes a draw away from home has given Martin’s team an advantage for the second leg at St Mary’s.
He stated, “We will fully accept the outcome. Your main goal when you leave home is to keep a clean sheet, and we have.
“I believe it will be advantageous for us to return to our original location because the crowd will be behind us. I’m looking forward to it.
“We weathered the storm early on, and that was all they could throw at us. The boys defended brilliantly in the first 15 minutes.
“Then I thought we played our stuff and kept things moving. The warm weather made it difficult to keep going.
“We wanted to win this game. It wasn’t about holding on for a 0-0 draw; we came here to win.
“However, the game played out as it did. We kept things under control and managed the game.”
Southampton’s experienced goalkeeper, Alex McCarthy, who started the season as a backup, helped keep them in the tie.
Alex McCarthy made some important saves against West Brom.(Image: PA.)
The two-time England international made two crucial saves to prevent Grady Diangana from giving the Baggies the lead.
McCarthy’s second save initiated a counterattack that nearly resulted in Ross Stewart’s first goal for the Saints, but was saved by Alex Palmer’s foot.
“He is a joke,” Downes declared. “You witnessed his experience play out. What a keeper he is.
“It is a privilege to play with him. Let’s hope he can repeat that in the home leg.”
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