West Ham and Southampton in talks over swap deal as manager Julen Lopetegui looks to bolster backline

West Ham are in talks with Southampton over a potential swap deal involving Kyle Walker-Peters and Flynn Downes, talkSPORT understands.

England international right-back Walker-Peters is in the final year of his contract on the south coast.

Meanwhile, midfielder Downes spent last season on loan at St Mary's and the Saints are interested in signing him permanently.

Former Tottenham defender Walker-Peters, who has been at the club since 2020, helped farewell Southampton Returning to the Premier League the first time I asked.

But it is now a real possibility that he will leave after four years, in which he has scored six goals in 157 games in all competitions.

He Hammers They are looking to add Walker-Peters to their squad to provide more competition in the full-back areas as new boss Julen Lopetegui restructures his squad ahead of the new season.

talkSPORT reported earlier this week on the status of academy graduate Ben Johnson. close to linking us with newly promoted Ipswich on a free transfer.

Lopetegui is also interested in reuniting with Wolves centre-back Max Kilman, who faces an uncertain future at Molineux.

The Spaniard, who named the 27-year-old his Wolves captain, has already seen the Midlands side knock down a £25m offer.

As for Southampton, Downes is not the only West Ham player on their radar this summer.

2

Last month we told you about the status of striker Danny Ings being watched to return after struggling for game time in east London.

And Southampton are understood to be keen to sign Burnley defender Charlie Taylor.

Taylor, who made 28 Premier League appearances last season, is available on a free transfer as his contract expires at Turf Moor.

In a further boost for the Saints, Alex McCarthy will stay and sign a new contract despite interest from Saudi Arabia.