O'Rourke: West Ham plot move to sign Southampton star 'certain to leave'
03/15/2025 05:00 AM
West Ham are well-placed to complete the signing of Southampton star Kyle Walker-Peters, sources have told Football Insider.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed that the 27-year-old is “certain to leave” St Mary’s this summer as the Saints look destined for relegation.
Walker-Peters is determined to keep playing at the highest level in an attempt to force himself into Thomas Tuchel’s plans with England.
West Ham, meanwhile, are looking to back Graham Potter in the summer transfer window and have identified their full-backs as potential areas for improvement.
The Southampton man is capable of playing both as a right-back and a left-back, and his availability on a free transfer has make him a key target for Potter.
This comes after former Hammers scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that West Ham are preparing to sign Walker-Peters when his contact expires.
West Ham plot swoop for Walker-Peters amid Southampton exodus
Brown told Football Insider that Southampton are preparing for an exodus of players this summer as a result of their impending relegation.
Alongside Walker-Peters, Tyler Dibling and Aaron Ramsdale have also been linked with moves away from St Mary’s, while West Ham are also targeting Taylor Harwood-Bellis.
The 22-year-old centre-back is among Potter’s options to strengthen at the back as they continue to plot an overhaul of what has been a shaky defensive unit.
Walker-Peters, however, is expected to be the first to leave the club upon the expiry of his contract in June with clubs lining up offers to secure his signature.
Graham Potter eyes Tammy Abraham move after Roma latest
Alongside the addition of a number of new defenders to Potter’s squad, the Hammers are also looking to strengthen up front amid concerns about their current strikers.
Brown told Football Insider that West Ham want to sign Tammy Abraham and are prepared to rival the likes of Leeds United and Everton in their interest.
The 27-year-old is widely expected to leave Roma this summer following a mixed loan spell at AC Milan as he is no longer part of their long-term plans.
A return to the Premier League, four years after leaving Chelsea for the Serie A, is thought to be an appealing option for Abraham.
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