Former West Ham striker Freddie Sears is backing Flynn Downes for success with the Irons.

Sears played with Downes at Ipswich Town.

“Flynny – what a player!" said Sears, 32, who now plays for Colchester.

“I think you could tell when he came through at Ipswich that he was going to go all the way and he had all the attributes to take him to the top. He's a good footballer, good on the ball and a really good athlete.

“He gets around the pitch well and loves a tackle. He obviously did really well at Ipswich, then went to Swansea and kicked on again and now he's got the move of his dreams to his boyhood club West Ham."

Sears also told the club's website: "He's a Brentwood boy and his family love the Club.

“His old man Micky is a big West Ham fan. They're really good people and Flynn is a great kid and he's going to be buzzing to be playing at London Stadium in front of all the fans.

“I think the fans are going to love him. He's a West Ham player, wears his heart on his sleeve and gives 100 per cent and he loves a tackle, as I said, so I'm sure the fans will love him as soon as he gets in there."