West Ham United are not throwing in the towel in their desire to sign Wolverhampton Wanderers defender Max Kilman.
Wolves have already rejected two bids from the Hammers, who consider the Englishman a key part of their long-term plans.
West Ham submitted an opening offer of around £25 million for Kilman, but it was quickly rejected. The second proposal was reportedly a player-plus-cash deal, but it was also turned down.
Despite failing with two bids, Fabrizio Romano claims the club are still pushing to sign the experienced 27-year-old defender.
Julen Lopetegui wants to reunite with Kilman at the London Stadium, so it’s unsurprising that they are pulling out all the stops to secure his signature.
With Kurt Zouma and Nayef Aguerd facing uncertain futures, West Ham must sign at least two defenders this summer, and Kilman could be the first to join the club.
It was always going to be difficult to convince Wolves to sell Kilman, but an offer of around £45m could be enough to sign the English defender.
Kilman would be an exceptional signing for West Ham
West Ham are likely to be very active during the summer transfer window, with technical director Tim Steidten working closely with Lopetegui to bolster every area of the squad.
They have already signed Brazilian prodigy Luis Guilherme from Palmeiras, but more fresh recruits will be added to Lopetegui’s squad.
Kilman could be the second summer signing, but they must match Wolves’ demands to secure a deal.
He still has four years left on his contract, so Wolves are under no obligation to sell him. They want to claim maximum profit on the defender, who joined them on a free transfer in 2018.
Kilman is a vastly experienced defender, and Lopetegui rates him very highly, having coached him during his time at Molineux.
He has made 151 appearances for Wolves and would be an exceptional signing if West Ham can reach an agreement with them.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com.
