Overview

• West Ham have begun preliminary negotiations with free-agent right-back Kyle Walker-Peters after his Southampton contract expired in June.
• Discussions remain at a nascent stage with no formal agreement close to completion.
• Walker-Peters asked to delay a scheduled medical in Istanbul, prompting Besiktas to withdraw from his proposed signing.
• The 28-year-old Tottenham academy graduate has two England caps and can operate on either side of defence.
• The club shipped 62 goals last season, the third-most of any non-relegated Premier League side, highlighting an urgent need for reinforcements.