As The Pitch Prospect has learned, West Ham are currently in talks with Southampton about a possible swap deal involving Kyle Walker-Peters and Flynn Downes.
England international defender Walker-Peters is in the final year of his contract on the south coast.
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Meanwhile, midfielder Downes spent last season on loan at St Mary’s, with the Saints keen to sign him permanently.
Former Tottenham defender Walker-Peters, who has been at the club since 2020, helped Southampton return to the Premier League at the first attempt.
But now there is a real possibility that he will leave the club after four years in which he scored six goals in 157 games in all competitions.
The Hammers are keen to add Walker-Peters to their squad to provide more competition at full-back as new head coach Julen Lopetegui reshuffles his squad ahead of the new season.
The Pitch Prospect reported earlier this week that academy graduate Ben Johnson is close to joining newly promoted Ipswich on a free transfer.
Lopetegui is also interested in a reunion with Wolves centre-back Max Kilman, who faces an uncertain future at Molineux.
The Spaniard, who has appointed the 27-year-old as his captain at Wolves, has already seen the Midlands team reject a £25 million offer.
Southampton Ad: Downes is not the only West Ham player on their radar this summer.
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We told you last month that striker Danny Ings was being spotlighted for a return after barely getting any playing time in east London.
And Southampton are rumoured to be looking to sign Burnley defender Charlie Taylor.
Taylor, who made 28 Premier League appearances last season, is available on a free transfer as his contract at Turf Moor expires.
Another advantage for the Saints: Alex McCarthy is expected to stay and sign a new contract despite interest from Saudi Arabia.