Southampton are reportedly prepared to demand £40m for defender Kyle Walker-Peters this summer.
On the back of last season's poor effort in the Premier League, head coach Ralph Hasenhuttl has made numerous eye-catching additions to his Saints squad.
However, Southampton also face a fight to retain the services of their best players in the long term, something which is particularly true in the case of Walker-Peters.
Since initially moving to St Mary's on loan at the beginning of 2020, the full-back has made a total of 72 appearances for the club in the Premier League.
The 25-year-old's development on the South Coast has recently led to a call-up to the England squad with two caps being earned this year.
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Nevertheless, recent reports have suggested that the former Tottenham Hotspur man is currently reluctant to extend his contract past the end of 2024-25.
According to The Sun, that has led to the Saints hierarchy informing any interested clubs that it will take £40m to complete a transfer.
Spurs are said to possess a buy-back option for £30m, a clause which could realistically be activated if the player enjoys another strong season.
However, the remainder of his admirers - which is said to include Manchester United - will be told that it will take a proposal worth another £10m in order to seal the player's signature.
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Throughout this summer, it has been suggested that Erik ten Hag is willing to part ways with Aaron Wan-Bissaka, a move which would leave Diogo Dalot as his first-choice right-back.
United may wish to generate a fee for Wan-Bissaka, who cost £50m three years ago, before they are willing to shell out another big fee on a full-back.
The report adds that Southampton hold an interest in United full-back Brandon Williams, creating the possibility of a part-exchange deal.
While Everton have also been linked with a move for Walker-Peters, the Toffees are unlikely to commit to paying £40m on the back of having just improved their financial position with the sale of Richarlison.
Darren Plant
