Southampton have one of the “toughest tasks in football” in replacing midfielders James Ward-Prowse and Romeo Lavia this summer, as transfer insider Dean Jones provides an update to GIVEMESPORT on the pursuit of Matt Grimes and Flynn Downes at St. Mary’s.

Saints head coach Russell Martin hopes to guide the club to an immediate return to the Premier League following last season’s relegation.

Southampton transfer news – Matt Grimes and Flynn Downes

Southampton are already scouring the market in the remaining weeks of the transfer window, with Ward-Prowse and Lavia likely to leave St. Mary’s before the 1st September deadline.

West Ham United have agreed on a £30m deal to sign Ward-Prowse, whilst Chelsea are close signing Lavia.

According to The Guardian’s Jacob Steinberg, the Irons’ Downes, who earns a reported £25,000 per-week, could move in the opposite direction to Ward-Prowse, slightly softening the blow of losing their captain.

And Jones believes that the links to Swansea’s Grimes, reportedly earning a weekly wage of £12,500, have come given he fits the criteria for the type of player Martin wants at Southampton, after reports last month suggested he could leave Wales for the south coast.

What next for Southampton?

It’s been a tough year for Southampton, but fans will be buoyed by a fresh start under Martin as they adapt to life in the Championship.

TalkSPORT reporter Alex Crook has told GIVEMESPORT that Martin will be backed this summer due to the owners having “deep pockets.”

The new head coaches attentions will already have turned to next weekend’s trip to Plymouth Argyle, after Saturday’s thrilling 4-4 draw with Norwich City.