Newcastle United and West Ham United are in the market for the same player, but the latest update from Fabrizio Romano suggests that it is the Hammers who are pushing the hardest.
The Magpies have already signed one centre-back this summer, with Lloyd Kelly set to officially become a Newcastle United player on July 1st. Getting him on a free transfer is a great bit of business, but Kelly might not be the only central defender who arrives at St James’ Park ahead of next season.
Eddie Howe also wants to add a right-sided centre-back to his squad, with Newcastle wary of the fact that they will need to replace Fabian Schar in the coming years.
Newcastle made an offer for Max Kilman
One player who Newcastle do have on their radar is Max Kilman.
The Wolverhampton Wanderers captain is a defensive target for the Magpies, and has even been the subject of a bid from Toon officials.
It was reported by the Telegraph at the weekend that Newcastle had offered a cash plus player deal for Kilman, with Elliot Anderson possibly going the other way. However, it was rejected by Wolves.
That was a blow for Newcastle, but probably a bit of a blessing for Howe and Anderson. It has been reported that the 21-year-old wants to stay at St James’ Park, and the Athletic believe that Howe wants to keep the Geordie midfielder.
West Ham eyeing new bid for Newcastle target
While the Magpies may come in with a better offer for Kilman, it would appear that they have major competition for the 27-year-old’s signature.
That is according to Fabrizio Romano, who has taken to X to share information on West Ham United plotting a fresh bid for Kilman.
The Hammers have already had a couple of offers rejected for the defender, and Romano thinks another is on the way.
He wrote on X: “West Ham are still pushing for Max Kilman, new proposal expected to be sent soon. Second proposal also included one player as part of the deal but Wolves rejected again. Julen Lopetegui wants Kilman, talks continue.”
West Ham might have an edge over Newcastle in Kilman chase
West Ham will be managed by Julen Lopetegui next season, and he knows Kilman well from his time at Molineux. That could give them an edge in this transfer chase, as West Ham push to reach an agreement with Wolves.
Most Toon fans will not be too concerned if the club miss out on Kilman, especially if it means that Anderson stays put. It would have been a real shame to see the local lad leave, as he is someone who could have a massively bright future at St James’ Park. The 2024/25 season should be his breakthrough year, after the previous campaign was derailed by injury.
But Kilman is certainly an interesting target, as he is a left-footed centre-back who can play on the right. He is unique in that respect, which is why he is appealing to clubs like Newcastle and West Ham.
It is West Ham who appear to have the strongest interest, as they prepare to make a third offer to Wolves. As for Newcastle, it remains to be seen if they return to the negotiating table or avoid what could turn into a bidding war.
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