Walker-Peters and Flynn Downes swap deal news after West Ham & Southampton talks
West Ham United and Southampton are in talks over a player-plus-cash swap deal involving Kyle Walker-Peters and Flynn Downes, sources have told Football Insider.
It is understood the two clubs – now competing together again in the Premier League – are in negotiations over a joint transfer which would see the London club pay Southampton a fee along with Downes moving in exchange for Walker-Peters.
Football Insider exclusively reported [3 May] that the Hammers are open to offers for Downes, who made 37 appearances on loan at Saints last season, winning promotion via the play-offs.
Sources from West Ham and Southampton said today talks are underway but the two clubs are still some way from an agreement.
Walker-Peters has a year left on his current contract at St. Mary’s, joining the club from Tottenham Hotspur in 2020 and since making over 150 appearances, alongside two full England caps in 2022.
West Ham are currently on a squad rebuilding mission with a new hierarchical structure at the London Stadium, with technical director Tim Steidten heading up the club’s recruitment for new head coach Julen Lopetegui.
West Ham and Southampton negotiate swap deal
Both West Ham United and Southampton see the opportunity to make a deal happen as jointly beneficial given Downes’ performances on loan and the Hammers’ need for an experienced Premier League right-back in Walker-Peters.
The duo were teammates on the South Coast last campaign, with 25-year-old Downes signed as a temporary replacement for West Ham-bound James Ward-Prowse, and Saints are likely to be more than content with receiving a proven midfielder along with cash for a player with only 12 months left to run on his deal.
Downes reinforced how happy he was at the club at the end of last season as revealed by Football Insider [30 May], with Walker-Peters expected to be open to a new challenge and a bumper contract at the age of 27.
The deal between the two clubs is anticipated to be completed in the coming days.
In other news, another transfer between West Ham United and Southampton could be on the cards for Danny Ings.
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