Napoli have had their opening bid worth €35 million turned down by Wolverhampton Wanderers for Max Kilman, as per The Athletic.
The Partenopei have identified Kilman as the top replacement for Kim Min-jae, who is inching closer towards a move to Bayern Munich.
Kilman has emerged as one of the top targets for the Serie A champions, but Wolves are unwilling to do business for anything less than €40m as he is contracted until 2026 with an option for a further year.
The 26-year-old has seen his role grow significantly in the past couple of seasons, becoming a staple in the defence for Wolves.
The English defender is happy at Molineux and open to staying beyond the summer.
However, given that Napoli are just short of the valuation, the Italian champions could make another attempt to sign Kilman.
The Partenopei will have no problems meeting Wolves’ demands due to the proceeds they are set to receive from Min-jae’s sale.
Playing in the Champions League may be used as leverage to lure Kilman to Italy.
Wolves would need to reinforce their defence in the event of Kilman’s sale, having lost Conor Coady to Leicester City and Nathan Collins on the brink of a move to Brentford.
Napoli have shortlisted Borussia Monchengladbach defender Ko Itakura as another potential summer target.
The Partenopei are also steadfast in keeping Victor Osimhen, who has courted interest from several European heavyweights.
Rudi Garcia, who has succeeded Luciano Spalletti as the head coach, will carry the enormous expectations of defending the Serie A title next season.
