West Ham hold Southampton talks over Kyle Walker-Peters and Flynn Downes transfer swap

Evening Standard

·28 June 2024

The Hammers are targeting new additions in defence and Downes impressed on loan at St Mary’s last season

West Ham have held talks with Southampton over a possible swap deal involving Kyle Walker-Peters and Flynn Downes.

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The Hammers are interested in signing a new full-back this summer, with right-back Ben Johnson set to join Ipswich on a free transfer.

Walker-Peters is understood to be among West Ham's list of targets and they have held talks with Southampton over a deal.

Downes could head to St Mary’s as part of the move after the midfielder impressed there on loan last season.

He played a key role in helping the Saints get promoted back to the Premier League via the play-offs at the first time of asking and manager Russell Martin wants to keep him.

Talks over a possible swap deal are understood to be at an early stage and it is possible the moves could be done separately.

Walker-Peters is into the final year of his contract at Southampton and is likely to move on this summer if fresh terms are not agreed.

Swap talks: Former Southampton team-mates Kyle Walker-Peters and Flynn Downes could be heading in opposite directions

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West Ham want to add to their squad this summer and are expected to prioritise arrivals at centre-back and in the forward line.