Newcastle United have already missed out on Tosin Adarabioyo to Chelsea, and now they could miss out on another centre-back target to a different London club.
The Magpies want to sign two centre-backs this summer, and already have one on their way with Lloyd Kelly set to become an official Newcastle United player on July 1st.
But Eddie Howe is after another, with Toon officials eager to bring in a right-sided centre-back. The hope was that it would be Tosin Adarabioyo, but he snubbed Newcastle’s interest in favour of a move to Chelsea.
That was a blow from a financial perspective, as getting two Premier League calibre centre-backs on frees would have allowed the club to spend more money elsewhere.
Now they are going to have to invest in a second centre-back, but one of their major targets could be on his way elsewhere.
Newcastle and West Ham battling for Max Kilman
The player in question is Wolverhampton Wanderers captain Max Kilman. The Telegraph reported that the Magpies made an offer for him at the weekend, but it was rejected by Wolves.
Whether or not Newcastle make a fresh approach remains to be seen, but it is West Ham who seem to be pushing the hardest for his signature. The Hammers have had two bids rejected, and are now expected to make a third.
Now the Guardian have provided an update on West Ham’s pursuit of Kilman, and it could be bad news for Newcastle United.
West Ham hopeful in transfer pursuit
According to the Guardian, West Ham are expected to make a fresh offer for Kilman and are hoping that they can agree a deal to sign him this week.
The report adds that while Wolves do not need to sell before June 30th because of PSR, an offer of £45million could be enough to convince them to sell a player who Conor Coady called ‘outstanding‘ four years ago.
It has been quite the rise for Kilman, who has gone from futsal to Non-League, all the way to the top flight of English football. Now he is Wolves’ captain, boasting the unique quality of being a left-footed player who can operate as a right-sided centre-back.
Possible Kilman fee is a warning to Newcastle
That flexibility would have been great for Newcastle, but it looks like West Ham are in pole position to win this transfer battle.
Even if the Hammers do come out on top, any deal could serve as a warning to Newcastle – especially if Wolves get the £45million fee that they are looking for.
That is more than Newcastle have ever spent on a defender, and it comes during a summer in which they could possibly spend up to £60million on a right winger. That is the Magpies’ priority ahead of next season, and it will be interesting to see how much is left in the transfer budget after Howe gets the attacker he is craving.
Given the calibre of player that Newcastle want, another centre-back is not going to come cheap. Kilman is proving that, which is why there will still be a sense of disappointment inside St James’ Park that a deal for Tosin Adarabioyo collapsed.
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