West Ham make move for Max Kilman, Wolves name their price

West Ham have made contact with Wolves over the availability of defender Max Kilman, according to TEAMtalk.

Julen Lopetegui and Tim Steidten want to strengthen the defence this summer, following Angelo Ogbonna’s exit and the fitness concerns of captain Kurt Zouma. Lopetegui is a fan of Kilman having managed him during his short spell as Wolves boss between 2022 and 2023.

Wolves captain Kilman has impressed in the Midlands since signing from Maidstone in 2018, making 151 appearances for the club.

Gary O’Neil’s side are under financial constraints that mean players need to leave before the Wolves boss can bring in his own players and, according to the report, they value their captain at £45m.

The Hammers have had a long-standing interest in the 27-year-old and tried to sign him in January, but were unable to get a deal done before the transfer window closed. Now, despite a new manager being at the helm, it appears they’re ready to try again to bring Kilman to east London.

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Whether West Ham are in agreement with Wolves’ £35m valuation is yet to be revealed but given they’ve already made contact about a possible transfer, that’s an indication that they haven’t been put off by his price tag.

Kilman, whose Molineux contract runs until 2028, has also attracted interested from Tottenham and Chelsea in the past. Given both of those London clubs don’t appear to be in need of reinforcements in the centre of their defence, it currently seems West Ham are in pole position to get a deal over the line if a fee can be agreed by both parties.

That may change, though, especially now it’s public knowledge that West Ham have made their move.

It’s no secret that defensive is a key area of the squad that needs improvement and it’s refreshing to see the club make a Premier League proven centre-half a priority, rather than gambling by brining in a player from overseas.

While an overseas signing is never necessarily going to lead to a disaster, proven experience in England is the risk-free option, especially as it will require less bedding in time during a period of transition in Stratford.

Meanwhile, West Ham are weighing up a move for free agent Ryan Sessegnon.