EXCLUSIVE: Journalist Ben Jacobs confirms Wolves interest in signing highly rated Porto Centre back as Gary O’Neil search for Max Kilman replacement

Wolves are on the hunt for a new central defender, after Max Kilman was sold for big money. The 27-year-old completed a move to West Ham United last week, for a fee of around £40 million.

Wolves have been praised for this sale, as Kilman only cost the club £40,000 six years ago, meaning almost pure profit for the club. Speculation has been rife about who could come in following Kilman’s departure.

Gary O’Neil is likely to take a close look at Yerson Mosquera in pre-season, but the Colombia international doesn’t have any Premier League experience.

Craig Dawson is also 34 now, and finished last season on the sidelines with injury.

Wolves have been linked with several targets so far this summer, and Ben Jacobs has now shared what he knows about the club’s search.

Wolves have lots of time remaining in the transfer window. It is thought that O’Neil and Matt Hobbs will take their time in the search for a new central defender.

Croatia international Josip Sutalo has been touted as a potential signing, as he has not settled at Ajax after a year there. On Tuesday, it was boldly suggested that Wolves like Murillo of Nottingham Forest. But any move for the Brazilian would be ‘ambitious’ and ‘unlikely’.

But journalist Ben Jacobs says that currently, the claims with the most substance regarding Wolves centre-back targets are the ones about David Carmo of FC Porto.

Jacobs told The Wolfpack podcast: “I think there’s the most substance behind David Carmo, and that offers something a bit different to Kilman. He’s one of those giant, modern centre-backs, but he’s also confident on the ball, too.

“So that could be one possibility.”

Wolves have been linked with quite a few names now regarding the centre-back position – and Carmo feels like the best option.

He played a big part in Olympiacos’ triumph in the Europa Conference League and was named in the Team of the Tournament, along with Wolves forward Daniel Podence.

He’s said to be a real leader, and we know that there is a big focus now at Wolves on signing the right character, not just good players.

Carmo does share traits with Kilman, and perhaps one of the biggest selling points is that he is left-footed, which is obviously ideal with Kilman having gone.