Southampton demands emerge as West Ham United in talks for Kyle Walker-Peters and Flynn Downes transfer
Southampton are demanding £10million plus Flynn Downes to sell Kyle Walker-Peters to West Ham United, according to talkSPORT.
Writing on their website (10 July), the news outlet report that the Saints and Hammers are still locked in discussions over a deal for the full-back to move to east London with Downes staying at St Mary’s after his successful loan spell last season.
Julen Lopetegui wants to strengthen his full-back options after Ben Johnson signed a £60k per-week deal with Ipswich [Times, 27 June], and Downes has already admitted he wants to return to Southampton.
West Ham United to seal swap deal for Kyle Walker-Peters
Swap deals aren’t the most common thing in football, but West Ham and Southampton have got history of doing a deal that makes both parties happy.
Just last year the Hammers sealed a deal for James Ward-Prowse that saw Downes move the other way on loan, and everyone was happy.
Downes struggled in his only season at the London Stadium and has become a key part of the way Russell Martin sets his team up, while a new full-back to compete with Emerson and Vladimir Coufal is a necessity this summer.
Downes is still under contract until 2027 while Walker-Peters’ deal expires in June 2025, so £10million plus Downes is likely to be seen as quite expensive.
But the reality is that Downes isn’t going to make it with the Irons and Walker-Peters is already proven. It’s a deal that helps everyone, and it is one that Tim Steidten should consider getting done quickly.
In other West Ham news, a fresh update has emerged on the future of Lucas Paqueta after Flamengo’s loan bid.
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