West Ham new Boss Julen Lopetegui gives green light over player pursuit David Moyes never wanted
Twist as Steidten closes in on star Moyes didn’t want at West Ham
There has been a big twist as technical director Tim Steidten closes in on a star David Moyes didn’t want at West Ham last summer.
West Ham have been locked in talks with Southampton over the sale of Flynn Downes.
But there has been claim and counter claim about those discussions between the Hammers and Saints.
Yesterday it was claimed West Ham were using the Downes negotiations with Southampton to broker a move for right-back star Kyle Walker-Peters.
West Ham have been linked with Walker-Peters since last summer but he remained at St Mary’s, where he has a year to run on his contract.
It has now transpired Southampton are the ones who have offered Walker-Peters to West Ham – presumably to try and lower the cost of the Downes deal.
Two becomes three in talks between West Ham and Saints
It’s been claimed the 27-year-old has already said ‘yes’ to joining West Ham.
But new reports overnight stated neither the Downes or Walker-Peters deals are close and that the Hammers also have other right-back targets.
Hammers News reported earlier that the deal looked increasingly likely with Southampton moving for a replacement right-back.
Last night The Guardian claimed Julen Lopetegui has given the green light to a move for versatile Walker-Peters due to his ability to play on either flank.
That contrasts with his predecessor’s opinion last summer.
The report claims David Moyes was not convinced about moving for Walker-Peters.
Now there’s a new twist as Tim Steidten closes in on the star Moyes didn’t want at West Ham.
Twist as Steidten closes on star Moyes didn’t want at West Ham
It seems West Ham have a clever plan to maximise their profit on Downes for the balance sheet while bringing in Walker-Peters while also getting nearly £200k off their wage bill.
Because now the Hammers are trying to include former Saints star Danny Ings – on over £100k per week at West Ham – in the exchange deal for the right-back.
Better still from West Ham’s point of view, Bailey says taking Ings is of interest to Saints boss Russell Martin.
One would Ings going the other way would – there or thereabouts – fit as a straight swap deal for Walker-Peters.
Ings now included as Hammers show savvy
That would mean West Ham get to offload a player Lopetegui does not want, clear a big salary off the wage bill and effectively sign the Championship’s best full-back for free.
All the while leaving the Downes negotiations as a standalone deal from which West Ham can add vital funds to their modest transfer budget.
In another update on the situation today, journalist Ben Jacobs says Downes has already agreed personal terms on a permanent deal.
He also reiterated Walker-Peters wants the move to the London Stadium.
“Southampton still in talks with West Ham over a deal for Flynn Downes. Personal terms already agreed,” Jacobs said.
“Downes spent last season on loan as Saints won promotion. Kyle Walker-Peters could go the other way in a separate transfer. He is open to the move. Walker-Peters has one year left on his contract, which is a big factor in why Saints are prepared to consider an exit if it helps them sign Downes permanently.”
This two – and potentially three – way deal appears to be West Ham’s current focus as well as their attempts to sign a centre-back.
