Gary O’Neil has been dealt a huge blow in his pursuit to land a ‘fantastic’ replacement for Max Kilman at Wolves.
Wolves have been refreshingly busy in the early days of the summer transfer window, with Gary O’Neil being granted multiple wishes.
The Old Gold have signed Pedro Lima, Rodrigo Gomes and Jorgen Strand Larsen but the business isn’t going to stop there as O’Neil lines up a replacement for Max Kilman.
Wolves sold their captain to West Ham for £40 million and must now find the perfect player to fill the void. Initially, it was said that the club had shortlisted four replacements for the Englishman, including Nico Elvedi, Jacob Greaves, Thomas Beelen and David Carmo.
Interest in other players have since surfaced, though, and last weekend it was reported that the Wanderers wanted to sign Red Bull Salzburg defender Strahinja Pavlovic, who was said to be available for around £25 million.
Wolves weren’t the only Premier League side admiring the Serbian international – who starred at Euro 2024 – as Newcastle, Chelsea and Aston Villa were all keen.
However, it has now been revealed that a European giant has stolen a march in the race to land the 23-year-old, whose talents are deserving of a big move.
Fabrizio Romano says Wolves target Strahinja Pavlovic wants AC Milan move
While Wolves have never taken their interest in the defender any further, Fabrizio Romano claims that Pavlovic wants to move to Italian giants AC Milan.
Romano believes that negotiations between the two clubs are underway, while the monstrous defender is ready for a new chapter in Italy.
Pavlovic was part of the Serbia side who only conceded twice at Euro 2024 as the towering centre-back earned praise for keeping Harry Kane quiet.
Now, it appears Wolves have lost out on signing the ‘fantastic’ player as he closes in on a move to Milan.
Why defence is an area of concern for Gary O’Neil
Regardless of whether Kilman departed Wolverhampton this summer, Wolves needed to add an extra reinforcement to their back line.
Veteran centre-back Craig Dawson is entering the final year of his contract, so a replacement for the 34-year-old is needed, while the only reliable figure in their defence currently is Toti Gomes.
Santiago Bueno made just 12 appearances in the Premier League last term, whereas Yerson Mosquera is untested in the top flight, although he has shown promise out on loan at Villarreal and in pre-season.
It appears Wolves want to use the Kilman money to great effect by signing a replacement for the 27-year-old and there are plenty available in the market.
Ideally, they also want to sign someone who is an upgrade on their current options and can slot straight into the heart of their defence.