Fabrizio Romano suggests Wolves boost as West Ham United make move for Ligue 1 star

The future of Wolverhampton Wanderers captain Max Kilman has been the subject of intense speculation in recent days after the likes of Newcastle United and West Ham United reportedly made unsuccessful bids for the defender.

Kilman has become a key part of the setup at Molineux after initially joining Wolves in a bargain move from non-league club Maidenhead United during the summer of 2018. After breaking into the first-team setup just a year later, the centre-back has gone on to make over 150 appearances for the club and has become one of the most consistent defenders in the Premier League. However, his form has also attracted attention from elsewhere and Wolves have had to fight off interest from elsewhere in recent weeks.

Newcastle reportedly offered a deal involving Magpies academy product Elliot Anderson that was rejected by Wolves and West Ham were said to have made two offers that fell well short of the reported £45m price tag placed upon Kilman’s head by the Molineux hierarchy. Although the Hammers interest is believed to remain alive and new manager Julen Lopetegui eyes a reunion with the centre-back, journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed the London Stadium club are ready to turn their attentions elsewhere in their bid to improve their defensive options.

The transfer specialist has revealed the Hammers have identified Lyon star Jake O’Brien as their alternative option to Kilman and could take advantage of the Ligue 1 club’s need to raise funds to conduct their own transfer business this summer. He took to social media outlet X (formerly Twitter) to update on the situation, posting: ‘West Ham make move for OL centre back Jack O’Brien, one more name on the shortlist. Max Kilman remains strong target but still not easy with Wolves as they ask around £45m. O’Brien, added to West Ham list.’

Former Wolves coach lands Portuguese role

Former Wolves first-team coach Ian Cathro has landed a new managerial role almost three years after his departure from Molineux.

The Scot was named as a key part of Nuno Espirito Santo’s backroom staff during the summer of 2018 after the duo worked together with Portuguese club Rio Ave and La Liga side Valencia. Cathro went on to follow Nuno to Tottenham Hotspur in 2021 and continued to work alongside the former Wolves boss when he took charge of Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad just 12 months later.

However, Cathro is now reportedly set to move into the lead role in the dugout once again as he is set to be named as manager of Portuguese Primeira Liga club Estoril. The former Hearts boss will take over a side that were beaten by Braga in last season’s Portuguese League Cup Final and will replace Vasco Sebra, who could only lead his side for fourteenth place during his final season in charge.