West Ham United and Wolves in ongoing transfer talks for Max Kilman after rejected bid
Max Kilman transfer talks with Wolves are “ongoing” as West Ham are pushing to make a deal happen, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Italian journalist reported via Twitter on 21 June that the Molineux captain is “strongly wanted” by his former manager and now-Irons boss Julen Lopetegui, even though the 27-year-old is set to be expensive.
Kilman is said to be the top target of the summer at the London Stadium [Guardian, 18 June], and while Wolves don’t want to lose him there is reportedly an acceptance that a bid worth £45million could force their hand [BBC Sport, 18 June].
According to The Telegraph on 21 June the Hammers reportedly opened the bidding a long way from that level with an offer of £25m.
Romano wrote: “West Ham, working on Max Kilman deal as he’s strongly wanted by manager Lopetegui.
“Talks ongoing with player and Wolves, not an easy one due to high value but WHUFC are trying to make it happen.”
Julen Lopetegui wants Molineux captain at West Ham
If Lopetegui wants Kilman so badly then it probably isn’t a great idea to put in an offer that is so far short of the widely-reported price required to get him.
That only seems likely to irritate the Molineux hierarchy who already don’t want to lose their captain to their former manager.
The Hammers do need a reliable centre-back to build the Spaniard’s defence around, with improvements imperative after conceding so many goals last term, so landing his top target would be a good way to start the new era.
But all indications are that it won’t be cheap or easy and so a first offer way below the asking price was never going to be successful and the club’s subsequent moves will be key.
Selling one or both of Kurt Zouma and Nayef Aguerd to the Saudi Pro League would help boost the budget and provide the money required to find one of their replacements.
But if the push to buy is happening first it looks like David Sullivan and the board are going to need to come up with the cash to get it done.
In other West Ham news, a buy-back clause has emerged to complicated the pursuit of Kilman’s potential defensive partner at the London Stadium.
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