Southampton have been involved in discussions regarding a potential ‘swap deal’ involving one of their best players in Kyle Walker-Peters.
Russell Martin has already made five signings this summer as he looks to build a Southampton squad ready to compete with England’s finest in the Premier League.
Free agents Adam Lallana and Charlie Taylor have joined the ranks, whilst centre-backs Taylor-Harwood Bellis, Ronnie Edwards and Nathan Wood have all made the permanent move to the south coast.
Unfortunately, it will not be all about incomings this summer though, with interest building in the services of Kyle Walker-Peters made more complicated by the fact the right-back is entering the final year of his contract.
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Brighton, West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur have all shown interest in the 27-year-old and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has now provided an update on the situation.
West Ham in ‘conversation’ with Southampton over Kyle Walker-Peters deal
Of the three clubs mentioned, West Ham appear to be the ones pushing hardest to sign Walker-Peters this summer.
With long-term Southampton target Ben Johnson deciding to move to Ipswich Town rather than sign a new contract at the Hammers, Vladimir Coufal is currently the only senior right-back at the club.
That has seen West Ham express interest in Walker-Peters which is unsurprising given he was one of the best players in the Championship last season.
Romano has offered an update on the latest situation, telling GiveMeSport: “For Walker-Peters, they had some sort of conversation over a potential ‘swap’ deal with Southampton. So that could be an option for West Ham to return.
“For Walker-Peters, for sure, they want to cover that position. So right-back is something that could happen at West Ham during this summer transfer window.”
Walker-Peters deal could hold key to Southampton signing Flynn Downes
Flynn Downes is Southampton’s number one priority this summer.
The West Ham man spent last season on loan at St Mary’s and was imperious as he helped the club achieve promotion via the Championship play-offs.
Martin adores the player he first managed at Swansea City and is desperate to add the 25-year-old permanently this summer.
It could very well be the case that the only way West Ham allow Downes to make a permanent move to Southampton this summer is if Walker-Peters is involved in the deal.
Southampton are said to value their asset at around £20 million, with the club previously reported as looking to agree a deal for Downes for less than £15 million.
The Saints are keen to avoid losing Walker-Peters for free next summer and it is therefore assumed that a deal could be struck for the right-back, so perhaps using Walker-Peters to ensure the capture of Downes is the best outcome Southampton can hope for.