LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 27: A general view inside the stadium as Neal Maupay of Brighton & Hove Albion scores their team's first goal during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Brighton & Hove Albion at London Stadium on December 27, 2020 in London, England. The match will be played without fans, behind closed doors as a Covid-19 precaution. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
West Ham are showing keen interest in signing Southampton defender Kyle Walter-Peters.
The Hammers have made Max Kilman one of their top priorities this summer as they badly need to bolster their defence.
However, according to a report from The Guardian, West Ham are not willing to pay more than £35 million for Kilman, while Wolves are refusing to lower their £45 million valuation.
As a result, the Hammers have shifted their attention elsewhere, with Julen Lopetegui eyeing a move for Walker-Peters.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the 27-year-old defender has said “yes” to West Ham move, and negotiations are underway at the moment.
Southampton are looking to sign Hammers midfielder Flynn Downes permanently. Downes impressed heavily last season on loan at St Mary’s and helped the Saints return to the Premier League via play-offs.
Writing on X, Romano says (28 June) that a swap deal between the two clubs is a concrete possibility at the moment.
“Negotiations underway between West Ham and Southampton for Kyle Walker-Peters and Flynn Downes,” wrote Romano.
“Swap deal being discussed and concrete possibility as ExWHUemployee called. Kyle Walker-Peters already said yes to West Ham, still work to do between clubs.”
Walker-Peters joined Southampton in 2020 and has played 167 games.
The full-back is a vastly experienced defender, who is entering the last year of his contract at St Mary’s. The Hammers can expect to get him on the cheap, but a swap deal would suit both parties involved.
He could become West Ham’s third signing of the summer following the arrivals of goalkeeper Wes Foderingham and Brazilian winger Luis Guilherme.
Downes was signed by David Moyes but he never really made an impact at the London Stadium. It seems he won’t be given a chance to impress under the new manager either.
He enjoyed a successful season on loan at Southampton, and a swap deal should benefit all parties involved.
