Wolverhampton Wanderers defender Max Kilman is reportedly the subject of interest from West Ham United.
David Moyes is a long-term admirer of the English defender, who was on the Hammers’ list of potential targets when they sold Declan Rice to Arsenal in a £105m deal in the summer. He only signed a fresh five-year deal with Wolves in August after the club rejected a £30m offer from Italian champions Napoli.
According to talkSPORT, West Ham United could revive their interest in Wolves skipper Max Kilman as David Moyes plans to recruit a centre-back in the January transfer window.
Kilman, 26, has come a long way at Wolves and played 109 league games since joining from non-league Maidenhead. Given he is now the skipper and Wolves rising in stature under Gary O’Neil, the Midlands club are not expected to sell the 26-year-old centre-back in the ongoing transfer window, but remain under strict restrictions to stay on the right side of FFP rules.
Max Kilman to West Ham—Good long-term option for David Moyes?
West Ham are looking to strengthen in defence in this transfer window after conceding 30 goals in 20 Premier League games.
The Hammers are about to lose Nayef Aguerd while he goes to the AFCON with the Moroccan national team, and it would be a huge loss for David Moyes’ side after the 27-year-old’s solid displays so far this season. In addition, Angelo Ogbonna is 35 and approaching the end of his career. So, it is clear why Moyes wants to invest in a central defender now, with Wolves skipper Max Kilman re-emerging as a viable target.
Kilman has been a reliable performer for Wolves over the last two seasons, with the 26-year-old’s ball-playing ability, aerial strength and leadership skills rising to prominence. He is a quick, strong and athletic defender who is comfortable playing in a flat back four or in a back three, whilst his ability to operate at left-back adds more value to his name. The centre-back has been knocking on Gareth Southgate’s door for some time now, and if he continues to perform well this season, he could be a surprise inclusion in the England squad for Euro 2024.
For West Ham, though, Kilman—being left-footed—could be a fantastic long-term replacement for the ageing Ogbonna. He would be an upgrade on the error-prone Aguerd and become the ideal partner for skipper Kurt Zouma at the heart of West Ham’s defence. Given he is just 26, the Englishman could become part of the Hammers’ furniture for the next five years, at least.
However, it is unlikely Wolves sanction Kilman’s sale this month. West Ham, nonetheless, must test Wolves’ resolve with an audacious bid for their skipper as quickly as possible.
