Wolves deal blow to Newcastle United as key figure confirms ‘several offers’

The Magpies had been credited with an interest in the defender as they look to boost their squad before the end of the transfer window.

Wolves deal blow to Newcastle United as key figure confirms 'several offers'

Wolverhampton Wanderers have confirmed Max Kilman has penned a new long-term deal just days after speculation linked the defender with a move to Newcastle United.

The 26-year-old centre-back was believed to be one option under consideration by the Magpies hierarchy as they look to strengthen Eddie Howe’s options at the heart of his defence. However, United were far from the only club showing an interest in Kilman after he had been linked with moves to Tottenham Hotspur and Serie A champions Napoli in recent months.

The recent departure of Wolves manager Julen Lopetegui and the Molineux club’s battle with Financial Fair Play regulations was believed to have opened up the possibility of a move for Kilman – but that speculation has been ended after Wolves confirmed the defender had put pen-to-paper on a new deal to keep him at the club until the summer of 2028.

Wolves sporting director Matt Hobbs described Kilman as ‘the soul of the team’ after he was handed the captain’s armband by new manager Gary O’Neil and revealed they had rebuffed ‘several offers’ for the defender.

He told the club website: “This is what Max deserves. We’ve been talking to Max since the end of last season and his evolution, not just through the club, but through his role in the first-team, has built a strong foundation for him.

“There was lots of interest in Max, we had several offers, but we haven’t shifted in wanting him to stay. We believe he’s the soul of the team, having been here for a long time now, so he was never a player we considered selling. In what’s been an unsettled time for the club, announcing a new head coach and our captain committing long-term shows the noise outside doesn’t match what we feel is going on inside.

“Although the manager changed, nothing changed for Max. He’s been very excited by what he’s seen from Gary and his team the first couple of days. Then we obviously told Gary and he was keen to get it done because he was going to be his captain, so we got it done as soon as we could.”

Wolves: Wanderers eyeing three new signings this summer

It could be a busy final few weeks of the window.

Wolves are badly in need of transfer reinforcements during the summer transfer window and it looks as though they are targeting several key positions.

Have Wolves signed any players this summer?

It has ultimately been a hugely disappointing summer at Molineux, having finished last season on something of a high after improving under the impressive Julen Lopetegui.

The Spaniard has now left as manager, however, being replaced in the role by former Bournemouth boss Gary O’Neil, and many believe Wolves could have a relegation battle on their hands.

No significant new faces have come in since the end of the 2022/23 campaign. Matheus Cunha and Boubacar Traore have seen their loan moves turn into permanent deals, whereas Matt Doherty and Tom King have joined on free transfers.

Meanwhile, key man Ruben Neves has moved on to Saudi Arabia, so it is imperative that some significant business is completed between now and the end of the month when deadline day arrives.

Now, a new update has emerged regarding Wolves’ current situation – one that may give supporters some hope over new faces coming in at Molineux.

Which positions are Wolves targeting?

According to Football Insider reporter Pete O’Rourke, Wolves are eyeing up additions in both midfield and attack before the end of the current transfer window, with a new striker, winger and central midfielder all on the agenda.

“Wolves are only able to move for free transfers and loans this summer, sources have told Football Insider. Gary O’Neil has recently been appointed as Julen Lopetegui’s successor – and a well-placed source has told Football Insider that the former Bournemouth manager will have to “wheel and deal” to improve his squad in the final weeks of the window.

“O’Neil is well aware of the restrictions in place – which are no different to the situation which saw Lopetegui walk away from the club just days before their season-opener against Man United on Monday.

“The main priorities for Wolves in the market are a new striker, winger and central midfielder.”

While the restrictions mentioned in the report are far from ideal for Wolves, it is at least encouraging that they are looking to bolster their squad, ahead of what could be a tough season.

It is clear that a new midfielder is badly needed, in order to help fill the void left by Neves, not to mention fellow Portuguese ace Joao Moutinho. At present, they look worryingly light in that area of the pitch, ahead of a daunting Premier League

Meanwhile, attacking reinforcements are also paramount, considering Raul Jimenez and Diego Costa have both moved on, as well as Adama Traore. Last season, Neves and Daniel Podence were Wolves’ top goalscorers in the league with just six goals, which perfectly highlights the need for new signings in the final third.

This feels like a pivotal couple of weeks in Wanderers’ recent history, with a failure to bring in fresh faces something that prove to be fatal, arguably making them one of the favourites to be relegated to the Championship.

On the flip side, if the right players are added and O’Neil hits the ground running, there is no reason why Wolves can’t steer themselves away from the drop zone and consolidate their place as a mid-table team.

opener away to Manchester United on Monday night.