Russell Martin says he will 'cry himself to sleep' if Southampton don't sign a Premier League star this summer

Southampton's failure to sign Flynn Downes on a permanent deal from West Ham will have manager Russell Martin crying himself to sleep.

The 25-year-old enjoyed a very successful loan spell at Santa Maria last season, where he helped the south coast side return to the Premier League via the play-offs.

He contributed two goals and three assists in 37 games, quickly becoming a fan favorite.

talkSPORT reported last month how Southampton and West Ham were doing conversations about an exchange between Downes and right-back Kyle Walker-Peters,

But an agreement has not yet been reached between the two teams, so Downes has informed the team. Hammers for preseason training.

And Martin has called on Saints chiefs to quickly reach an agreement with the former Swansea star, for the sake of his own well-being.

Speaking in a Q&A with fans on Saturday, Martin was asked about the club's pursuit of the player.

To which he replied: “It will take longer. We just have to be patient. I wanted him here last week, four weeks ago even.”

“When someone is owned by another club and is a good player, they will always try to keep him.

“I hope at some point we show enough love and give West Ham enough money.

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“I hope I can wear the Southampton shirt before the end of the season. If not, I'll cry myself to sleep.”

Downes, who won the Europa Conference League with West Ham in his first season, has made no secret of his willingness to play for Southampton next season.

In May he told the Daily Echo: “Of course, I would love to stay here next season.

“I love it here. I love the boss. I love the staff. I love this place.

“Obviously we’ll have to see what happens. I won’t know too much until I get back to West Ham.

“We’ll see what happens there.”