Southampton: Hasenhuttl hints at late January move for Kyle Walker-Peters

Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl has hinted at a late move for Spurs full-back Kyle Walker-Peters in the January transfer window.

Saints are without first-choice right-back Cedric for around three weeks after he picked up a knee injury recently, whilst Yan Valery is still yet to return to fitness himself.

Walker-Peters is a name that has been heavily linked to Saints this month and a report from the Daily Mail yesterday said that further talks have been held over a £12m transfer.

Responding to a question from BBC Radio Solent reporter Adam Blackmore about whether he’d spoken to the Spurs defender after yesterday’s FA Cup meeting, the Austrian said:

"“Yes, let’s have a look”."

Whilst the question was asked in a jokey sort of way and Hasenhuttl’s answer didn’t want to confirm anything outright, he didn’t deny interest and did mention that the club still had targets by saying:

"“We have a few players in our mind, so let’s take a look.”"

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Saints will need to sign a new right-back in January or in the summer with Cedric confirming that this will be his last season at St Mary’s.

Walker-Peters is clearly looking for a fresh start away from Spurs after falling behind both Serge Aurier and Japhet Tanganga in the pecking order, and Jose Mourinho has reportedly said that he can move on.

The 22-year-old could fit nicely into Ralph Hasenhuttl’s setup with Saints given that his full-backs are expected to join the attack in a 4-2-2-2 system.

However, it is also important that defenders stick to their tasks at the back too given that the defence can be exposed at times too.

Walker-Peters will surely be an accomplished player having played in some high-profile games for Spurs in the past, whilst Hasenhuttl will see his youth as evidence that he can improve further in the future.

Another full-back linked to Saints was Genk man Joakim Maehle, but Walker-Peters may be able to provide more of an impact mid-season given that he knows the levels that are demanded in the Premier League.