West Ham United is set to make a fresh bid for Wolverhampton Wanderers defender Max Kilman, according to sources. The Hammers have been pursuing Kilman for some time, but their initial attempts to strike a deal were met with frustration.
However, new head coach Julen Lopetegui has identified Kilman as a key target and is willing to make him the club’s captain if he joins.Kilman has impressed at Wolves, making 24 appearances under Lopetegui during his brief stint in charge and has since become a key member of the team under Gary O’Neil.
He has also shown leadership qualities, wearing the armband for Wolves and impressing teammates like Jose Sa, who has described him as “amazing”.West Ham is expected to step up their pursuit of Kilman in the coming days, with technical director Tim Steidten working closely with Lopetegui to improve the squad. The Hammers have already made two signings this summer, landing Luis Guilherme from Palmeiras and goalkeeper Wes Foderingham from Sheffield United.
However, Wolves are holding out for a significant fee, reportedly £45 million, due to Kilman’s four years remaining on his contract. West Ham may have to part with a substantial amount to tempt Wolves into selling their captain.Lopetegui has a strong working relationship with Kilman, having coached him at Wolves, and believes he has the qualities to lead West Ham to success. Kilman is also keen on the move, according to sources, which could be a significant boost for Lopetegui’s plans.
The signing of Kilman would be a significant coup for West Ham, who are looking to strengthen their squad after a disappointing season. The club has been linked with other targets, including Manchester United’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka, but Kilman remains a priority.With the transfer window open, West Ham fans can expect more activity from the club as they look to build a competitive team for next season. The Hammers are expected to be busy in the market, with Steidten working hard to identify targets and Lopetegui keen to