West Ham United has initiated talks to sign Southampton defender Kyle Walker-Peters, according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth, as reported by GIVEMESPORT. The Hammers are evaluating several potential candidates for a new right-sided defender, including Manchester United’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Sheth indicates that discussions between West Ham and Southampton have revealed a discrepancy in Walker-Peters’ valuation. However, West Ham might have a stronger negotiating position since the 27-year-old is in the final year of his contract. After appointing Julen Lopetegui, West Ham is eager to strengthen their right-back position following Ben Johnson’s departure on a free transfer.
Johnson, 24, has signed a four-year deal with Premier League returnees Ipswich Town after making 109 appearances for his boyhood club. Right-back is a top priority for West Ham as they also aim to finalize a deal for Wolves defender Max Kilman. Their improved offer for Kilman was accepted earlier this week.
Lopetegui, who coached Kilman at Wolves during the 2022-23 season where they finished 13th in the Premier League, is set to be reunited with the defender at London Stadium. Speaking to GMS, Sheth emphasized that Vladimir Coufal will strive to impress Lopetegui amid West Ham’s hunt for a new right-back:
“Right-back is a priority position. Ben Johnson has left following the end of his contract, joining Ipswich Town on a free transfer. Vladimir Coufal remains at the club and will want to impress Julen Lopetegui. But it seems they are looking to recruit in that area. Aaron Wan-Bissaka is among the players being considered, as is Kyle Walker-Peters. Initial talks between West Ham and Southampton have highlighted a gap in valuation, but Southampton is mindful that Walker-Peters is in the final year of his contract.”
Walker-Peters, targeted by several Premier League clubs, is also attracting interest from his boyhood club, Tottenham. GMS reported last month that Spurs are considering re-signing the 27-year-old as a backup for Pedro Porro. Sold to Southampton in 2020, Walker-Peters has been praised as a “fantastic footballer” by Martin and is seen by Tottenham as a cost-effective option who would contribute to their home-grown player list.
West Ham insider ExWHUemployee claims Southampton values the Englishman at between £15-20m. Additionally, according to Fabrizio Romano, Brighton is also interested in the right-back, having had him on their radar for several months.
West Ham is on the verge of announcing the signing of Wolves centre-back Max Kilman, with Fabrizio Romano reporting that “the deal is done” to bring the 27-year-old to London Stadium this summer. Kilman, set to reunite with Lopetegui, leaves Wolves after being appointed as captain last season and making 151 appearances for the club across all competitions.
After their initial bid was rejected, West Ham’s new £40m offer convinced Wolves to part with their reliable centre-back, who has missed only one Premier League fixture in the past two seasons.
