Chelsea, Manchester United 'interested in Kyle Walker-Peters'

Chelsea and Manchester United are both reportedly interested in signing Southampton defender Kyle Walker-Peters.

The 25-year-old's future at St Mary's is currently unclear, as he is said to be stalling on signing a new contract with the Saints.

Walker-Peters's current deal is due to run until June 2025, but Southampton are said to be determined to sign him to a new long-term agreement.

According to talkSPORT, both Chelsea and Man United are keeping a close eye on his situation at St Mary's, with the duo considering moves either this month or at the end of the season.

The report claims that the Saints are aware they face 'a battle' to keep hold of the defender, with Tottenham Hotspur also interested in re-signing him in 2023.

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Walker-Peters came through the youth system at Tottenham and went on to make 24 appearances for their first team before joining Southampton, initially on loan.

The right-back has made 99 appearances for the Saints, contributing three goals and seven assists in the process.

The two-time England international has again been a regular this season, making 17 appearances in all competitions, scoring once.

Walker-Peters played the full 90 minutes of Southampton's 2-0 victory over Manchester City in the EFL Cup on Wednesday, with Nathan Jones's side shocking the holders to reach the semi-finals.

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Man United were believed to be keen to move for a new right-back this month, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka widely expected to depart before the end of the window.

However, Wan-Bissaka has impressed in recent matches, with the Englishman taking advantage of Diogo Dalot's hamstring problem to feature in the starting XI.

There remains uncertainty surrounding Wan-Bissaka's long-term future at Old Trafford, though, and another right-sided full-back could still arrive to provide competition for Dalot.

Chelsea, meanwhile, are said to be looking for cover at full-back due to Reece James's injury problems, with the Englishman again on the sidelines due to a knee injury.

Southampton would likely be forced to sell a number of key players this summer if they were relegated from the Premier League, with the club currently sitting bottom of the table.