Southampton are in discussions with West Ham United regarding a deal for Flynn Downes, with Kyle Walker-Peters in line to move in the opposite direction as part of a separate transaction.
Downes, 25, spent last season on loan at St Mary’s and played a key role in Southampton’s promotion back to the Premier League.
He made 33 appearances last term including the entirety of Southampton’s victory over Leeds United in the play-off final.
The West Ham midfielder is highly regarded by Saints manager Russell Martin, who is keen to make him part of his plans for the 2024-25 campaign. The pair previously worked together at Swansea.
Southampton are offering a cash fee plus Walker-Peters in exchange for the midfielder’s services.
The full-back, who can play on either flank, has been at Southampton since 2020 having initially joined from Tottenham Hotspur on a six-month loan deal. He has one year left remaining on his current St Mary’s contract.
The 27-year-old would be competing with Vladimir Coufal and Emerson Palmieri for place in new head coach Julen Lopetegui’s starting XI, with right-back Ben Johnson expected to leave the club this summer.
Walker-Peters has two caps for England, with his most recent international appearance coming at right-back in a 3-0 win over Ivory Coast.
GO DEEPER
How Southampton corrected their course to win promotion to the Premier League
(Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images)
