Report: Crystal Palace set to win Flynn Downes race ahead of Leeds

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Leeds United registered an interest in signing Flynn Downes, but the Daily Mail reports that Crystal Palace are set to win the race with talks ongoing over an £8 million deal.

Downes looks set to leave Swansea City this summer. The Daily Mail reports that he missed a behind-closed-doors friendly this week.

Previous reports claimed that Leeds were eyeing Downes as a potential replacement for Kalvin Phillips.

Of course, Phillips has since left Elland Road. Leeds are set to sign Tyler Adams, with the midfielder travelling to England on Tuesday ahead of his switch.

But he is not the only midfielder the Whites have targeted. The Daily Mail reports that Leeds are amongst the sides to have registered an interest in Downes. Wolves and Southampton also want the 23-year-old.

But it appears that he is Selhurst Park-bound. The Mail suggests that talks are ongoing over an £8 million deal. But a move to the Eagles is now close.

Crystal Palace set to win Downes race

History may be repeating itself for Leeds. Of course, last summer, Marcelo Bielsa wanted to bring Conor Gallagher to the Whites.

However, assurances over game-time saw Palace win the race. And Gallagher went on to enjoy a fantastic season under Patrick Vieira. He was arguably the club’s best player.

Leeds meanwhile, were punished for not strengthening in midfield.

In fairness to the Whites, that is not the case this time around. Marc Roca has arrived. And Adams is set to follow.

The pair could be extremely exciting additions, having come from Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig respectively.

But Russell Martin described Downes as an ‘incredible‘ player. And at £8 million, it is not really a risk for Palace. So perhaps some Leeds fans will rue that their club did not bring him in also.