Wolverhampton Wanderers have beaten West Ham to a sensational striker signing but it can only be good news.
When Julen Lopetegui walked out on Wolves on the eve of last season it was because of broken promises over transfers and ambition.
Almost one year one on Lopetegui has taken over at West Ham to oversee a major squad rebuild.
So the last thing West Ham will want is to leave the Spaniard frustrated over transfers.
Especially if it is the 57-year-old’s former club Wolverhampton Wanderers causing that frustration.
A number of players have been linked with moves between West Ham and Wolves of late.
The Hammers and Wolverhampton Wanderers have also been linked with a number of mutual transfer targets.
Hammers and Wolves being active early
That is perhaps not surprising given Lopetegui will have flagged a number of players he wanted to the Wolves board before walking out last August.
One such mutual target is Norwegian striker Jorgen Strand Larsen.
Lopetegui and West Ham technical director Tim Steidten have reportedly been hot on the heels of the hugely talented young 6ft 4in forward.
Journalist Victor Lopez recently Moiceleste that West Ham had made an approach to sign Celta Vigo striker Strand Larsen.
But Wolves have also been linked with the 24-year-old.
Wolves beat West Ham to sensational striker Strand Larsen
Last season the Norway international scored 13 goals and laid on three assists in 37 games for Celta Vigo – who play West Ham at the London Stadium in pre-season.
There’s been a major development overnight, though.
Because Wolves have beaten West Ham to the sensational striker but it can only be good news.
According to transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano, Wolves have verbally agreed on a €30m (£25m) package with Celta Vigo for Strand Larsen.
Romano says talks continue over personal terms but a deal is close to being sealed, meaning West Ham will miss out.
But it certainly may not be all bad news for the Hammers.
Because this all seems to point to one thing.
West Ham have been locked in talks with Wolves for the last two weeks about a deal for Max Kilman.
The club confirmed to Hammers News that they are bidding to try and sign Kilman – as well as a host of other players.
Two bids have been rejected by Wolves so far.
Hammers News revealed this week that West Ham are hoping a third bid with a different structure will be accepted by Wolverhampton Wanderers.
And on Wednesday journalist Jacob Steinberg claimed the Hammers are hoping to agree a deal with Wolves by the end of this week.
So why is West Ham missing out to Wolves for £25m Strand Larsen a positive for the Hammers?
It can only be good news for West Ham’s Kilman hopes
Because Gary O’Neil recently admitted that Wolves will have to sell a star or two to be able to make signings of their own this summer due to PSR.
Wolves have already signed two players this summer, adding Rodrigo Gomes to the capture of Tommy Doyle.
Now they have their new £25m striking Viking on the way too.
So Wolves simply must be getting ready to sell one of their big players to offset that spending.
Don’t take our word for it, just look at what O’Neil said only last month.
Could that explain the reason talks have continued between West Ham and Wolves over Kilman for so long despite the rejected bids.
And is it also why well-connected journalist Steinberg made the bold claim West Ham are hopeful their third bid could get the job done for Kilman this week.
Fans of both clubs shouldn’t have too long to wait to find out.
If the Hammers can agree a deal with Wolvers for their captain then personal terms should not be an issue.
Because Kilman reportedly earns £50k per week at Wolves. While that is clearly not to be sniffed at, the ball-carrying centre-back can expect to more than double that at West Ham, who – for context – pay Zouma, the man he would replace, £125k per week.