Premier League trio Aston Villa, Chelsea and Newcastle are joining Manchester United in the race to sign Max Kilman though Wolves remain hopeful that they can retain the services of their captain.
EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
HITC understands that, while Wolverhampton Wanderers still expect star winger Pedro Neto to leave this summer despite the Portugal international suffering another hamstring injury, Gary O’Neil’s side have no plans to cash in on another of their key players.
Max Kilman, considered as one of the most underrated central defenders in the Premier League these, has been watched by Manchester United since the turn of the year. Erik ten Hag’s side are prioritising a centre-half this summer, and Kilman fits the bill alongside Giorgio Scalvini, Antonio Silva and Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite.
Wolves captain Max Kilman is a man in demand
We have been informed that Newcastle, Chelsea and Wolves’ Midland neighbours Aston Villa have also scouted Kilman in the first few months of 2024. There is interest from Spanish giants Atletico Madrid too.
But with Kilman under contract until 2028 – he only signed fresh terms last year – Wolves have made it clear to the 26-year-old’s representatives that they want him to stay at Molineux for at least another season. Kilman is not only one of the first names on O’Neil’s team sheet, the 26-year-old has also worn the captain’s armband since the departure of Ruben Neves to Saudi Arabia.
Wolves, per The Times, rejected a £30 million bid from Napoli nearly 12 months ago.
‘He’s developed a lot’
“He’s always available,” O’Neil tells the Shropshire Live of a man who has played every minute of Wolves’ 30 Premier League games so far. “He happily plays on the right even though he probably would be more comfortable on the left. He puts himself out there all the time.
“He’s developed a lot as captain and as a footballer, even in the short time I’ve been here, and I’m really pleased with where he is.
“We can still make some improvements in him defensively and on the ball, but he’s in a great place and his trajectory is going in the right way. When I came in I felt he could do with being a bit sharper fitness-wise but I can’t remember the last time I looked at him and felt that.
“Every time I look at him now he looks ready. If there’s a race in behind our defence I’m delighted when it’s Max because physically he’s very good. I’m pleased, hopefully we can keep him fit, and he’s an important member of the group.”
Newcastle’s defensive injury crisis continues
Newcastle’s interest comes at a time in which Eddie Howe has lost both Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles, potentially until 2025. Both players have suffered ACL injuries. Aston Villa, meanwhile, have a decision to make over Clement Lenglet. The Frenchman is on loan from Barcelona but there is no option-to-buy clause in his Villa contract.
Kilman, interestingly, was born in Chelsea. It remains to be seen how he feels about a potential return to his local club. The Blues are also considering Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim as a replacement for Mauricio Pochettino.
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