The journalist reported via HITC on Friday (28 June) that Russell Martin’s side is interested in bringing the England international back to the south coast this summer whilst the Irons have opened talks to sign Walker-Peters.
Julen Lopetegui’s Hammers are understood to be willing to sell Flynn Downes to Southampton as part of the deal with reports suggesting he would be open to moving the other way in a player plush cash deal [Sky Sports News, 28 June].
Will Danny Ings exit West Ham United in summer transfer window amid Southampton speculation?
While some fans and pundits will always suggest that David Moyes didn’t get the best out of him, it has been clear almost since Ings arrived in East London that he doesn’t have what it takes to lead the Hammers’ front line.
The former England international doesn’t have the physical power of a player like Michail Antonio and without that, he has never really been able to click in claret and blue. It seems natural that both parties would be willing to part ways this summer.
Including him in part of the deal to bring Walker-Peters to the London Stadium would be impressive business, but at this moment in time, it seems much more likely that it will be Downes who heads to the Saints in exchange.
Perhaps a deal to bring Ings back to Southampton could be completed separately later in the transfer window. If Martin is as keen to secure his signature as reported, they will make an offer for the striker in the coming weeks.
For West Ham, the most important thing will be getting a deal to bring Walker-Peters in over the line first. Once that is completed, then they can begin to focus on getting rid of some of the dead wood in Lopetegui’s squad like Ings.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers have made contact with Jaden Philogene ahead of a potential summer transfer push
