Martin wants a “key” midfielder signed from Southampton ahead of pre-season

Looking to return to the Premier League with a bang, Russell Martin is now reportedly keen to add one more summer target to his ranks ahead of Southampton's pre-season next month.

Southampton transfer news

The Saints secured promotion to the Premier League after defeating Leeds United in the Championship final and are now looking to ensure they secure their top flight at the time. They have already released their summer business in pursuit of that, of course, after welcoming Adam Lallana back ten years after he left St Mary's for Liverpool.

Speaking for the first time since returning to his boyhood club, Lallana told the club's website: “I was a bit of a stranger – my son is at the Academy, so I come in and around a bit, but I haven't been that close to being home, so it's amazing. It feels surreal, but it's an opportunity I'm very grateful for and I'm looking forward to it.”

He is not the only former player that the Saints are reportedly looking to sign. According to GiveMeSport, Martin is keen to sign Flynn Downes on a permanent deal for Southampton before the start of the new season next month following the midfielder's successful loan spell last season.

West Ham are seriously considering cashing in on Downes, but it remains to be seen whether they will accept an offer worth less than the £15m Southampton are reportedly valuing the Englishman this summer. Given that Downes has five years left on his current contract in London, the Hammers cannot agree to a deal this summer.

If he is not in Julen Lopetegui's plans, then a move to Southampton makes perfect sense, given how much Martin impressed last season.

“Importantly” Downes already has Martin's approval

Having already worked together at Swansea City, Downes' loan move to Southampton was normal for all parties involved and now a permanent deal should be the next step this summer. For Martin, the midfielder has plenty of fans, with the Saints boss telling the Daily Echo last season: “Flynn, yes, I told you before I think you are the best in the league.

“This team missed him a lot when he wasn't playing. We couldn't shut him down when he wasn't playing. I thought we all stood up for Joe Rothwell at Leeds and he was brilliant when Flynn played. Get off the pitch. But Flynn is important and last weekend there were important minutes for him and now he will be fine.

After admitting how much Southampton missed the West Ham man when he was out last season, Martin and those at St Mary's must recognize the importance of getting a permanent deal over the line this summer as they look to avoid relegation from the Premier League.