Max Kilman now top West Ham United target as transfer talks opened in desperate Wolves update
Max Kilman is the top target for West Ham this summer with the club now holding talks with Wolves over a move, The Guardian reports.
According to Jacob Steinberg for the paper’s website on 18 June the Hammers haven’t yet made an offer for the Molineux captain.
Wolves are said to be “desperate” to keep Kilman but a bid of £45million is expected to be enough to secure a deal.
The 27-year-old played under new Irons boss Julen Lopetegui when the Spaniard was last in the Premier League, and according to BBC Sport on 18 June there is a feeling in the Midlands that the right bid could force their hand.
Julen Lopetegui wants Wolves charge to join him at West Ham
If Kilman is that crucial to the operation at the London Stadium then the chances that the club come up with the sort of major offer that looks capable of landing him surely increases.
Tim Steidten and the Hammers were already after the Englishman in the winter when David Moyes was still in charge [The Sun, 8 January].
So Lopetegui’s arrival has likely only strengthened the interest as a former Wolves boss, and may also help the chances of doing a deal if Kilman wants to play under the ex-Real Madrid and Sevilla manager again.
The transfer market has proven heavy going so far for the Irons with just Luis Guilherme brought in for £25million-plus after committed work in Brazil from Steidten [Fabrizio Romano, 11 June].
Much like the pursuit of Mohammed Kudus a year ago the technical director has proven he can get difficult moves over the line when he devotes his focus to them.
So with contacts now opened over Kilman and the defender the top target it is likely that the German transfer chief will be working on this deal as a priority.
In other West Ham news, league champions are willing to sell as the Irons eye a move for their man.
For more West Ham news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.