Nottingham Forest, Middlesbrough, Bristol City and Stoke City are all said to have joined Bournemouth in the hunt to sign Ipswich Town midfielder Flynn Downes this summer, as per a recent report by Football Insider.

As reported by the East Anglian Daily Times earlier today, the Cherries are said to be leading the chase for the 22-year-old midfielder.

However it now appears that they have been joined in the race for his signature by Forest, Boro, the Robins and the Potters in more recent times.

Downes only has a year remaining on his current contract at Portman Road and could well leave the Tractor Boys if a good offer comes in for his services.

The player himself submitted a transfer request last summer in a bid to force through a move to Crystal Palace before eventually staying put with the Sky Bet League One side.

A central midfielder by trade, the Brentwood born man has been with Town since the very start of his career.

The Verdict 

I think Paul Cook would certainly be open to letting him leave the club this summer if the money on offer from the aforementioned sides is right for Ipswich.

Downes is now into the final year of his deal and it appears unlikely that he is going to sign fresh terms after growing frustrated with life in League One.

Selling him for profit this summer would be best for all parties concerned and I could certainly see him making a good impact in the Championship moving forwards.

He certainly won't be short of offers by the looks of things, so it would be wise for Downes to take stock of what is on offer before committing to sign for a particular club, as ideally he wants to head to one that will guarantee him first team football at his age.