West Ham's bid for Nice centre-back Todibo rejected, turning focus to Wolves captain Kilman
- West Ham's £25m bid for Nice centre-back Todibo rejected, as they consider a fresh bid for Wolves captain Kilman.
- Kilman, who played every Premier League game last season, is expected to reunite with former Wolves manager at West Ham.
- The club is looking to sign a new defender this summer, with Todibo also admired by Manchester United.
In a significant transfer move, West Ham is on the verge of securing Wolves captain Max Kilman for a reported fee of £40 million. The deal, orchestrated by new manager Julen Lopetegui, involves raiding his former club for the talented centre-back. Kilman, who was a key target for Lopetegui this summer, underwent a medical at West Ham's training ground and is expected to sign a long-term contract at the London Stadium. Lopetegui, who previously made Kilman his Wolves captain, sees him as a crucial addition to the team and a player who can bolster their defense. The negotiations between West Ham and Wolves were complex due to a significant sell-on clause held by non-league Maidenhead, complicating the final fee. Lopetegui's pursuit of Kilman aligns with his ambitious vision for West Ham's upcoming season, where he aims for success and a strong start in the Premier League. Additionally, West Ham is considering a fresh bid for Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo after an initial offer was rejected, as they continue their search for defensive reinforcements. Despite facing challenges in securing Kilman and Todibo, West Ham remains determined to strengthen their squad under Lopetegui's leadership. The club's technical director, Tim Steidten, emphasized their commitment to a busy summer transfer window without the need to sell players to comply with financial regulations. With ongoing negotiations and potential bids in the pipeline, West Ham's pursuit of defensive reinforcements and strategic recruitment under Lopetegui's guidance is poised to shape their squad for the upcoming season. As the transfer window progresses, West Ham's pursuit of defensive targets like Kilman and Todibo reflects their ambition to compete at the highest level in the Premier League. With Lopetegui at the helm, the club is focused on securing key signings to strengthen their squad and make a significant impact in the upcoming season. The negotiations and potential deals highlight West Ham's proactive approach in the transfer market as they aim to build a competitive team capable of achieving their ambitions in the Premier League.