West Ham have agreed a contract in principle with Southampton fullback Kyle Walker-Peters, according to reports.

Graham Potter’s side have matched the defender’s £75,000 a week salary demands, but journalist Graeme Bailey has told Hammers News that four other Premier League clubs could still win the race for the player’s signature:

“West Ham have made an offer to Walker-Peters, who is available on a free. But a load of clubs are keen, including Spurs, Palace, Fulham – and even Chelsea are looking at him too.”

Out of those teams, it is believed that Tottenham pose the biggest threat as Walker-Peters used to play for the Lilywhites.

Why are West Ham so keen on signing the England international?

Vladimir Coufal is out of contract at the end of the season and the Czech defender has hinted that he will not extend his stay at the London Stadium beyond the summer.

It means that Potter needs more competition for Aaron Wan-Bissaka at right-back and Walker-Peters’ availability on a free transfer makes him a prime candidate.

The fact that the 27-year-old can also be deployed on the left flank may also come in useful, with there being doubts over the futures of Aaron Cresswell and Emerson Palmieri too.

Walker-Peters is not the only soon-to-be free agent being targeted

It is believed that the Irons have also made a competitive offer to snap up Lille’s Jonathan David on a free.

Reports suggest that the Canadian international wants £7.9m a year in wages and a £13m signing bonus, while agent fees could amount to £8.7m. It means the total cost of securing his services may reach nearly £30m.

Those figures have put off other teams so it remains to be seen if West Ham can find an agreement with David and his representatives.

Click here to see West Ham’s first team squad for the 2024/25 season