West Ham are leading the race to sign ‘Extraordinary’ ace for Graham Potter
West Ham United are leading the race to sign Southampton defender Kyle Walker-Peters on a free transfer this summer, talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook has revealed.
The Hammers are reportedly looking to replace Vladimir Coufal after the season and have identified Walker-Peters as an option, as he nears the end of his contract at St Mary’s.
Graham Potter is particularly keen on a new and more dynamic right-back instead of Coufal to bring competition for Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who joined from Manchester United last summer.
Walker-Peters has no shortage of suitors in the Premier League with just over two months left on his deal, as Tottenham are also believed to hold an interest in re-signing the 28-year-old.
West Ham Front-Runners for Walker-Peters
Potter is keen on a new right-back
According to Crook, Coufal is now facing an uncertain future at the London Stadium, as he is not expected to be offered an extension to his expiring contract.
The 32-year-old is set to depart West Ham five years after joining from Slavia Prague, with Tomas Soucek also likely to follow amid growing interest from Everton.
Walker-Peters, meanwhile, has refused a contract extension from Southampton amid their relegation from the Premier League and is expected to depart once his contract runs out in June.
The 28-year-old, praised as ‘extraordinary’, has made 33 appearances for the Saints this season, assisting two goals in the Premier League.
West Ham are anticipating a busy first summer under Potter as a host of first-team stars could leave.
According to Crook, the Hammers are willing to sell several players if the right offer comes in, including Soucek, whose arrival is particularly of interest to Everton boss David Moyes.
The Scottish tactician is known to be a huge fan of the Czech midfielder from his time at the London Stadium.
