It’s par for the course these days in the Premier League that any teams who are relegated will see their stars cherry-picked by clubs that remain in the top flight.

Southampton, who moved closer to being confirmed as relegated after a 4-0 drubbing away at Chelsea, will likely see their squad stripped of its star quality, and West Ham will be one of the teams looking to do business.

West Ham, who are currently operating at the wrong end of the division after a disastrous start to the season under former manager Julen Lopetegui, are planning an overhaul this summer, with new manager Graham Potter and his right-hand man in recruitment, Kyle Macaulay, leading the charge. Under Potter, The Hammers are clear of danger, so attention has turned to preparing for next term.

Southampton, who continue to be a team suggest as highly unlikely to win against anyone according to EPL match betting online, may be rock bottom of the table and on course to record the lowest points total ever by a top-flight outfit. Still, they do have a couple of players who will be of interest to West Ham, and they’ve been targets in the past.

Full-back Kyle Walker-Peters has long been admired by West Ham, and the club have actively tried to sign him previously. The former Spurs defender, who can operate on the left or right, has been a bright spark in a woeful season for Southampton, and at 27 years old, his best days may still be ahead of him. Walker-Peters’ contract is due to expire this summer, which would make bringing him to the London Stadium even more appealing.

Central defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis, 23, is another player West Ham have admired for a while and someone who will likely be looking to leave St. Mary’s in the summer if there are the expected offers from Premier League outfits. The centre-back, who came through at Manchester City, like Walker-Peters, has shone at times, and he’s a great age with a big future expected. 

A player who perhaps hasn’t been linked with West Ham previously and who would be an excellent capture for the club is goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale. The England international enjoyed a great spell with Arsenal before moving on after losing the gloves to David Raya. West Ham are likely going to make changes to their goalkeeping department this summer, and Ramsdale would fit the bill. And again, he’s another player who’s the right age at 26 years old.

Potter and Macaulay will already be running the rule over reams of players as they look to finalise their targets ahead of the summer. Both men have previously worked in a way where they see it as vital to get value for money, and this trio of players would certainly represent that. And they’re all homegrown, too, which is another plus.