Southampton would like to keep hold of full-back Kyle Walker-Peters – but the 25-year-old could leave St Mary’s this summer.
That is according to The Sun journalist Tom Barclay, who was speaking to GiveMeSport about the Saints’ potential transfer departures this summer, with the transfer window due to close next month.
According to The Sun, Everton hold an interest in Walker-Peters this summer, but Ralph Hasenhüttl’s side have tried to fend off interest in the two-time England international by putting a £40m valuation on the defender.
The same report also suggests that Tottenham Hotspur could make a £30m move for their former player, with the club holding a buy-back clause following the full-back’s move to St. Mary’s in August 2020.
Southampton are reported to be looking for a new full-back this summer as negotiations over a new deal for Walker-Peters are not progressing, with the £19.8m-rated man having just two years remaining on his current contract.
And Barclay believes that whilst the club would prefer Walker-Peters to remain at the club, there is a chance that he could move on this summer.
He said: “Kyle Walker-Peters is going to be an interesting one.”
“I think £40m sounds about right, from the last time I was checking this out.
“They don’t want to let him go, but it is one to watch on that front, I think.”
TIF Thoughts on Barclay’s comments…
We believe that Southampton fans will be slightly concerned to hear the news that Walker-Peters could depart St Mary’s this season, however, we do feel that £40m would represent good value for the full-back.
The London-born defender has been described as a “role model” by Hasenhüttl, suggesting that the Austrian manager would be extremely disappointed to lose him this summer.
However, we believe that the club are being smart by putting a £40m price tag on Walker-Peters, as we think that it will deter interest from most clubs, while it would be a healthy boost to the club’s transfer budget if someone was willing to pay that price.