A fresh update has now been supplied on the future of Russell Martin’s ‘integral’ Southampton player.
Southampton secured promotion back to the Premier League with a victory over Leeds United in the play-off final. A month on from that euphoric day out at Wembley, Russell Martin has been hard at work in the transfer window.
The Saints have secured deals for three new players; Taylor Harwood-Bellis from Manchester City, a homecoming for Adam Lallana and future prospect Rento Takaoka.
There have also been rumoured exits from St Mary’s, with left-back Romain Perraud completing a £3 million transfer to Spanish club Real Betis.
Worryingly, Perraud could be joined out the exit door by another full-back as Kyle Walker-Peters continues to attract interest.
Kyle Walker-Peters has said ‘yes’ to Premier League rivals West Ham
On Wednesday, it was reported that Tottenham were looking at a return for Walker-Peters as a ‘low-cost option’ in the full-back role.
The ‘integral’ Saints star – who played 43 times in the Championship – has also drawn interest from Premier League rivals West Ham, with Fabrizio Romano dropping an update on his future.
Romano claims a swap deal involving the talented Englishman and Flynn Downes is being discussed as a ‘concrete possibility’, with the reliable journalist even stating that the Southampton star has said ‘yes’ to departing St Marys and joining the Hammers.
Walker-Peters was a fundamental cog in Martin’s possession-oriented system last term as the 27-year-old put in displays that were far too good for Championship level.
Flynn Downes is essential in Kyle Walker-Peters negotiations
Walker-Peters is entering the final year of his contract on the South Coast, and while the Saints would love to keep him beyond 2025, he’ll likely leave for an established Premier League side.
Chelsea came calling for the Englishman in January, former club Tottenham have shown interest while West Ham now appear to be in pole position to land his signature.
The key reason why the Hammers could land Walker-Peters is that they can offer them Downes in return.
Downes was incredible at the heart of Martin’s engine room last term and it’s made very clear that they want the 25-year-old permanently.
Although they’d like to keep Walker-Peters and add Downes to their squad in an ideal world, Southampton’s hands are tied in negotiations.
The former Tottenham full-back is at risk of leaving for free next summer and unless they resolve his future in the present, they run the risk of that outcome unfolding.
Walker-Peters has been an incredible servant to the Saints with 167 appearances to his name in four years. Rarely ever injured or lacking in consistent performances, Martin would struggle to replace the ex-England under-21 star, though a few alternatives have been lined up.