Swansea City transfer news as West Ham to rival Crystal Palace for Flynn Downes signing and formation hint offered

Your Swansea City headlines for Wednesday, July 6.

West Ham will challenge Crystal Palace for the signing of Flynn Downes, according to The Athletic.

The Swans appear destined to lose the central midfielder this summer as part of a move that will bring in some vital funds to plug a financial hole. Downes' exit would also pave the way for Joe Allen return to his boyhood club.

Palace had been expected to conclude a deal for the 23-year-old, although the Hammers are now set to rival their Premier League rivals for the Swansea man's signature.

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It serves as a boost for the Swans who are more likely to receive a fee closer to their valuation of between £11m and £12m for the former Ipswich Town once add-ons are included in a potential deal.

Downes did not feature in the Swans' latest pre-season friendly against Colchester United on Tuesday afternoon. As for Allen, Russell Martin is a huge admirer, as revealed by WalesOnline in May, and sees the former Stoke City man playing a key role in south Wales next season should the move be concluded.

Joel Latibeaudiere revealed Swansea were able to try out new formations during their pre-season clash with Colchester United.

The Swans played two 60-minute matches against the League Two outfit at Fairwood on Tuesday, with the hosts losing the first encounter 2-0 before a stronger side emerged victorious in the second game courtesy of defender Latibeaudiere's late header. You can read the full details from the game here.

And the goal scorer is hopeful that Swansea will reap the rewards of having a full pre-season under the current coaching staff following the rushed