According to Telegraph journalist John Percy, Newcastle United have had an offer for Wolverhampton Wanderers Max Kilman rejected.
Newcastle United are looking to add more quality to their squad this summer after a disappointing campaign in the Premier League and Champions League last season.
The Magpies failed to get past the group stages of the prestigious European competition in the first half of the season and struggled also domestically with injury issues plaguing the first team leading to a seventh-place finish in the top flight.
It is quite obvious that the Newcastle hierarchy is on the lookout for a defender with Premier League experience, as the club has already missed out on signing of Fulham prospect Tosin Adarabioyo to Chelsea.
Defensive reinforcements seem to be the top priority for the Tynesiders as Sven Botman will, at least, be out of action for the opening months of the new season after undergoing ACL surgery in March and Fabian Schar is coming to the latter stages of his career.
With that in mind, it was reported last night by Telegraph journalist John Percy that Newcastle made a “player-plus-cash offer” to Wolverhampton Wanderers for their centre-back Max Kilman.
Percy revealed on X last night:
“Excl – Newcastle make player-plus-cash offer for #Wolves defender Max Kilman. Player understood to be Elliot Anderson, but proposal rejected. Interest growing in Kilman (homegrown/ v good appearance record) after West Ham bid turned down on Friday #nufc”
Should Newcastle sign Max Kilman?
There is no doubt that Kilman possesses the quality and the Premier League experience to be a great addition in the Newcastle squad, however, the fact that he is left-footed plays a big part in why this particular story could be nothing more than a rumour.
When addressing the need for defensive reinforcements, the current situation with Botman will be a short-term issue fixed with the recent signing of left-footed Lloyd Kelly, who will be utilised for both centre-back and full-back duties on that side.
However, with Schar turning 33 in December, there is a much more pressing concern to be addressed as there is currently no natural right-footed successor to balance out the centre-back partnership alongside Botman when the Switzerland international’s time comes to an end on Tyneside.
As a result, for the purposes of balance, it doesn’t make sense for Kilman to join the Magpies this summer and instead, the club should be prioritising the signing of a right-footed centre-back who can grow into the role as a future prospect.
With that being said, the signing of a defender will be non-negotiable for Newcastle this summer, but should be done with patience to ensure the right profile of player is identified and secured ahead of next season.
