Premier League star Ollie Watkins has named a Wolves player as one of the toughest opponents he has faced.
It’s been a busy start to the summer for Wolves, who have welcomed four new faces to Molineux ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.
As well as welcoming new arrivals, Gary O’Neil will be eager to retain his best players from last season, with one name being speculated with a possible exit.
Club captain Max Kilman is rumoured to be on Julen Lopetegui’s wish list at West Ham although, Wolves should think twice before offloading the defender.
Ollie Watkins calls Max Kilman a ‘top player’ amid transfer links away from Wolves
While O’Neil will not want to part ways with his captain, who played every minute of the 2023/24 Premier League campaign for Wolves, it’s believed that £45m could tempt the Old Gold to let Kilman leave.
West Ham are eager to sign the 27-year-old however, Lopetegui’s side have not presented a reasonable offer so far.
Every player has a price though, there are questions to be asked over how easily Wolves could replace Kilman, who has recently earned high praise from one Premier League star.
Speaking while at Euro 2024 with England, Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins named the Wolves ace as one of the ‘most underrated’ opponents he’s faced.
“Max Kilman, a very good defender for Wolves. I think he’s a top player.”
Watkins named Kilman and former Chelsea veteran Thiago Silva as the two players he’s struggled to play against, which is big praise for the Wolves captain.
The price must be right if Wolves are to sell Kilman
Despite having a shaky end to the season, Kilman was an integral part of O’Neil’s squad over the 2023/24 campaign.
The Englishman has grown into his role at Wolves, leading to him generating interest this summer.
West Ham’s interest comes from Lopetegui’s experience in working with the centre-back, with Spurs and Newcastle also rumoured to admire the defender.
While it may be difficult for the Old Gold to weather interest, it seems as though the club’s stance is clear, with £45m the asking price that clubs should meet if they truly want to acquire the Wolves skipper.
Watkins’ praise for Kilman only reinforces how highly-rated he is by those in the Premier League, being a player that O’Neil could develop further or generate a considerable profit for.