Russell Martin Provides an Update on Walker-Peters Amid West Ham Interest

Southampton manager Russell Martin has just provided an update on West Ham United target Kyle Walker-Peters’ future, confirming that the defender is highly sought after.

Walker-Peters has been heavily linked with a move this summer due to his contract expiring next year, with The Times reporting that Southampton has quoted West Ham around £20 million for the former Tottenham Hotspur right-back.

The Saints had expected to lose the defender after being relegated to the Championship last summer, but they were able to keep him at St Mary’s Stadium, much to Martin’s surprise.

Walker-Peters is attracting a lot of interest.

Southampton wants to keep him.

Martin spoke live on Sky Sports about Southampton’s Walker-Peters’ future, implying that he is in high demand this summer…

“We have a lot of interest in him as we did last summer, and then Kyle ended up staying, maybe to the surprise of everyone, myself included. He was amazing for us last season, he did incredibly well, he’s superbly talented person.”

Undoubtedly, Southampton would like to keep Walker-Peters for another season after his impressive performances since joining the club, but it would be a huge risk. With his contract expiring, they don’t want to lose him on free transfer.

Walker-Peters was one of Southampton’s standout players last season, and he played a key role in the club’s promotion back to the Premier League. Losing him would be devastating, but allowing him to leave on a free transfer would not make financial sense. In an ideal world, the Saints would like to lock him down to a new contract.

The Saints appear to have already signed his replacement, or at least competition, with Yukinari Sugawara joining earlier this summer.

Southampton to Submit New O’Riley Bid

They’ve seen one rejected.

Southampton are reportedly set to make a new offer for Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley. The Saints’ bid for the talented star has already been rejected, but Martin, who has previously worked with him, is determined to sign him.

The Scottish club is understandably hoping to keep him, but after a successful season with Celtic, he has been linked with a move to the Premier League. Atalanta is also said to be interested in the Danish international, but the Saints will hope to seal the deal with a new offer.

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