Writing on their live blog (1 July), the news outlet report that the Hammers have already held talks with the Saints over a deal that would see Flynn Downes move in the opposite direction permanently [Telegraph, 28 June].
Southampton have now made contact with Bournemouth about signing Max Aarons as a potential replacement, but Julen Lopetegui faces competition from Ange Postecoglou and Russell Martin to seal the versatile defender.
Full-back is a position that West Ham want to strengthen this season after losing Ben Johnson to Ipswich after he agreed a £60,000 per-week deal at Portman Road [Times, 27 June], while there are question marks around Vladimir Coufal’s future too.
That leaves right-back with a chance of being short, but Walker-Peters’ ability to play on both flanks equally is a huge selling point and with his Premier League experience he would be a top signing.
Walker-Peters is also at a prime age and with Downes wanting to return to St Mary’s with West Ham not too fussed if he moves on, the opportunity is too great to be able to get a deal done.