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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Malik Ouzia

West Ham hold Southampton talks over Kyle Walker-Peters and Flynn Downes transfer swap

West Ham have held talks with Southampton over a possible swap deal involving Kyle Walker-Peters and Flynn Downes.

The Hammers are interested in signing a new full-back this summer, with right-back Ben Johnson set to join Ipswich on a free transfer.

Walker-Peters is understood to be among West Ham's list of targets and they have held talks with Southampton over a deal.

Downes could head to St Mary’s as part of the move after the midfielder impressed there on loan last season.

He played a key role in helping the Saints get promoted back to the Premier League via the play-offs at the first time of asking and manager Russell Martin wants to keep him.

Talks over a possible swap deal are understood to be at an early stage and it is possible the moves could be done separately.

Walker-Peters is into the final year of his contract at Southampton and is likely to move on this summer if fresh terms are not agreed.

Swap talks: Former Southampton team-mates Kyle Walker-Peters and Flynn Downes could be heading in opposite directions (Getty Images)

West Ham want to add to their squad this summer and are expected to prioritise arrivals at centre-back and in the forward line.

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