West Ham are having trouble finding an agreement with Southampton over a price for Kyle Walker-Peters, according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.
Speaking to GiveMeSport, Sheth said that talks had “highlighted a gap in valuation” which may stop a transfer from going ahead:
“So right-back is a priority position, that is clear. They’ve seen Ben Johnson leave following the end of his contract, he’s joined Ipswich Town, of course, on a free transfer. Vladimir Coufal is still at the club, and he will want to do everything he can to impress Julen Lopetegui as well.”
“But it looks like they will try and recruit in that area. Aaron Wan-Bissaka is one of a number of players they’re looking at, but Kyle Walker-Peters as well.”
“Now, initial talks between West Ham and Southampton have highlighted a gap in valuation, but Southampton will be very wary that Kyle Walker-Peters is entering the final year of his contract.”
West Ham don’t value Walker-Peters at £20m
It has been reported that the Saints want between £15m and £20m for the defender. As Sheth points out, though, he is in the last twelve months of his contract at St Mary’s so it’s clear that the Hammers want to drive down the price.
There has been speculation that Flynn Downes could be used in a direct swap deal but, if they regard Walkers-Peters as being worth less than the midfielder, then that could cause problems.
Other Premier League clubs are keen on the fullback
It should be noted that West Ham are not the only team pursuing Walker-Peters. One of his former clubs Tottenham have been mentioned as potential suitors in recent weeks, while Brighton are also keeping tabs on his situation.
Unless a compromise can be reached with Southampton, though, Julen Lopetegui’s side may have to move on to other targets, such as Manchester United’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
