Southampton are not looking to entertain bids for defender Kyle Walker-Peters this summer, claims Daily Express journalist Ryan Taylor.

Chelsea are thought to have Walker-Peters on their shortlist as Thomas Tuchel searches for more defensive reinforcements. And while Taylor admits every player has his price, he thinks the Saints would be reluctant to sanction a sale with teammate Che Adams also being heavily linked with an exit right now.

GiveMeSport Transfer Verdict

What is the latest news involving Walker-Peters?

According to the Daily Mail, Chelsea have registered an interest in signing Walker-Peters.

He is not going to be cheap, however, if Southampton do decide to sell, with the newspaper claiming that the south coast club value him at £40m.

From Walker-Peters' perspective, he may also have concerns about moving to Stamford Bridge.

He would have to compete against Reece James, one of the best right-backs in the Premier League, though the arrival of the 25-year-old could always see him move to right centre-back.

What has Taylor said about Walker-Peters' Southampton future?

While Taylor believes Walker-Peters is one of the Saints' most sellable assets, he cannot see them trying to get rid of him this summer.

Speaking about Chelsea's interest in the England international, the Daily Express journalist said: "Every player's got a price. I think he is, with [James] Ward-Prowse, one of their most sellable assets really in terms of how much you could get for him. But I don't think they'll be actively looking to entertain bids."

Should Southampton sell Walker-Peters this summer?

Absolutely not, especially with Tino Livramento currently out with a serious injury.

Last season, Walker-Peters proved to be a very good full-back, winning plenty of praise and going on to earn his first England cap.

On the former Tottenham man, Three Lions captain Harry Kane said (via Daily Echo): "I obviously know Kyle from when he was at Spurs, he is a great lad, he works really hard and he has done really well at Southampton."

Walker-Peters can also now play at both right-back and left-back. In the 2021/22 campaign, he made 23 appearances on the left side of Ralph Hasenhuttl's defence.

The above shows his value and usefulness to the Saints, so selling him would not be ideal, though £40m is a lot of money. It may be hard for them to turn it down.

But given that he is not nailed on to be a starter at Chelsea, Walker-Peters himself may want to remain at St Mary's, especially with it being a World Cup year.