West Ham United may have just received a boost in their attempts to land a new full-back for Julen Lopetegui.
The Hammers look likely to bolster their options in the full-back department this summer, with doubts surrounding the futures of Vladimir Coufal and Aaron Cresswell.
Both players have just a year left on their contracts and West Ham will undoubtedly be planning for the future.
Lopetegui is also lacking decent cover for Emerson Palmieri on the left-hand side and one of their targets would solve their issues at full-back.
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Southampton eyeing replacement for West Ham target Kyle Walker-Peters
With West Ham on the lookout for a new full-back, Kyle Walker-Peters would tick plenty of boxes for Lopetegui.
The Tottenham academy product is able to operate on both sides and despite spending a season in the Championship with Southampton last time out, he boasts considerable experience in the Premier League.
Just last week, reports claimed West Ham have opened talks with Southampton over a move for Walker-Peters.
And with interest in Walker-Peters growing, the Saints are already lining up his replacement.
That’s according to Sky Sports News, with the outlet claiming Southampton have enquired about Bournemouth right-back Max Aarons amid interest from West Ham, Brighton and Tottenham in Walker-Peters.
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What Walker-Peters has said about Flynn Downes
West Ham midfielder Flynn Downes spent the last campaign on loan at Southampton and played a key role in their promotion back to the Premier League.
He lined up alongside Hammers target Walker-Peters, who was previously lauded as a ‘fantastic’ talent by former Spurs star Dele Alli.
Walker-Peters has already admitted he would love to play alongside Downes next season.
“He was there and he’s done it again for the team. He felt a bit disappointed with their second goal.
“So he’s probably given it his all there and thankfully he’s got the winner for us. He’s shown how much of a top player he is.
“He’s still young and whatever happens, I’d love to play with him next season. But that’s out of my hands,” he told the Southern Daily Echo.
Of course, Walker-Peters was hinting at Downes extending his stay at St Mary’s but it would be an interesting turn of events if the duo linked up once again at the London Stadium next season.