Newcastle ‘fail in bid for Wolves defender Max Kilman despite offering money AND a player’… as race for centre-back heats up after Gary O’Neil’s side spurn the West Ham’s £25m coup

• Newcastle reportedly failed in approach for Wolves defender Max Kilman
• They offered money and a player to Kilman, who West Ham are also pursuing.
• LISTEN It all begins! “Gareth Southgate’s Luke Shaw call-out was a real stinker! It was another mistake and it left England so unbalanced

Newcastle have reportedly failed in a cash-plus-player bid for Wolves defender and captain Max Kilman.

The Magpies had brought 21-year-old academy midfield product Elliot Anderson to the table as part of the deal, but Wolves snubbed their lead.

It comes after Wolves turned down West Ham’s £25million offer for Kilman, a prop who has missed just one Premier League game in the last two seasons.

Newcastle will have to improve their offer if they want to land Kilman, with his rejected bid initially reported by The Telegraph.

Manager Eddie Howe is thought to be reluctant to sacrifice Anderson, who was an important player last campaign despite a long-term back injury.

Newcastle are looking for another centre-back after losing out to Chelsea in the race for Tosin Adarabioyo. They did, however, acquire Lloyd Kelly from Bournemouth.

Toon seemed in pole position to sign Adarabioyo as a free agent following his move to Fulham, but he became the first signing of the Enzo Maresca era at Chelsea on a four-year deal.

They will face stiff competition from West Ham in any pursuit of Kilman, 27.

Mail Sport understands West Ham view Kilman as a high priority target and will not be deterred by Wolves’ rebuttal to their first offer.

New Hammers boss Julen Lopetegui is keen to bring Kilman to the London Stadium after working with the defender during his time with Wolves.

Kilman signed a new five-year contract at Molineux last summer.

He joined Wolves from non-league side Maidenhead United in 2018 and has become a key player for them.