AFC Bournemouth are now leading the race to sign Ipswich Town midfielder Flynn Downes, according to the East Anglian Daily Times.

Downes' future at Portman Road remains uncertain, with the midfielder set to depart the club amid interest from elsewhere.

The 22-year-old made only 17 starts last season due to injury, and was instructed to train with the Under-23s towards the end of the campaign after making it clear that he wants a fresh challenge.

Peterborough and Barnsley have been linked with the midfielder's signature, but it is now Bournemouth who are leading the race to sign him.

According to the East Anglian Daily Times, the Cherries have made their move for Downes, who is still under contract for another two years.

Bournemouth missed out on promotion to the Premier League last term, but will now be hoping to kick on and improve under new boss Scott Parker.

Ipswich, meanwhile, are still looking to escape League One, with Paul Cook overhauling his squad and making plenty of on-field changes.

The Verdict

Downes would be a good signing for Bournemouth for both the short-term and long-term.

He is a tidy footballer, which should see him fit right into Scott Parker's philosophy and style of play, and he will be looking to prove his critics wrong having spent most of last season out injured.

For the long run, it could prove to be a shrewd investment. Downes is only 22 and is only going to get better - he has bags of potential and Bournemouth would reap the benefits.