SAINTS midfielder Flynn Downes has not spoken to West Ham about his future beyond this season.

The 25 year old is on loan until the end of the campaign and Southampton would like to keep him at the club this summer.

Downes has featured 28 times for Russell Martin’s side this term. Saints have failed to win eight of the 10 games that Downes has missed this campaign.

Asked if he has spoken to either club about next season, he told the Daily Echo: “Not really no. I am focusing on the games here.

"I haven’t had any contact with anyone about what is going to happen next year. It’s not ideal because I have no idea if I am moving back or staying here.

“I’m just going to focus on these eight games and see what happens. I love playing here. I’ve absolutely loved my time here.

"If it ends up coming to an end then it is what is it. If I go back to West Ham then that is what it is.”

The West Ham loanee’s primary focus remains on ensuring Southampton give their best account in a bid to achieve promotion to the Premier League.

Daily Echo: Flynn Downes scored his only Saints goal at former club Swansea CityFlynn Downes scored his only Saints goal at former club Swansea City (Image: PA)

Saints currently sit 12 points adrift of the automatic spots, with two games in hand, following their last-gasp 3-2 defeat at Portman Road on Monday evening.

Reaching the top two spots is now out of Southampton’s hands, something Downes believes has lifted pressure off the squad.

“It has been tough,” he continued. “When there is so much at stake it becomes harder to get over a defeat. Everyone is back to normal now. 

“The games are coming thick and fast and we have to get over it. This is not the end of the world, but for me, it felt like that. 

“It was a big game, there is no hiding from that, if we win eight out of eight there is a good chance we can still go up.

“For me and the boys, the pressure is off now. We just have to go out there and win. That’s it. 

“We need to win games and see where we end up, whether it’s the playoffs or the automatics. It’s not in our control now.

“Pressure is probably the biggest thing in any sport. When there is so much at stake you see the best people in the world crumble. It does play a big factor in your performance. 

“I do feel like that is off now, it is for me at least. Don’t get me wrong, there is still a lot to play for but the pressure of it being in our hands has gone."