Various Wolves players could well be targeted by other clubs this summer – and one such individual could be captain Max Kilman.
Gary O’Neil has worked wonders this term, with practically the whole squad improving under his guidance.
Currently, Wanderers are challenging for European football – something that seemed totally out of the question at the start of the season. Many pundits had tipped Wanderers to struggle or even go down, after Julen Lopetegui left.
But so many Wolves players have stepped up, including Max Kilman.
Kilman has been the subject of some transfer interest over the last year or so, and Molineux News caught up with transfer expert Graeme Bailey to find out the latest about the 26-year-old…
Max Kilman ‘more like to stay’ than leave this summer with Wolves ‘very happy’ with the defender
Last summer, Kilman was the subject of a pursuit by Napoli.
Napoli, who had lost Kim-min Jae to Bayern Munich, saw a bid rejected for the Molineux star.
Kilman has also long been linked with West Ham United, who are said to really appreciate what the centre-half brings to the table. Tottenham Hotspur have also been loosely linked.
But it does not seem at the moment that there is too much concern about Kilman potentially leaving the club this summer.
HITC journalist Graeme Bailey told Molineux News exclusively: “I think he’s more likely to stay. He’s playing so well in defence, I’m sure he will be thinking that he’s seen Jarrad Branthwaite be called up for the England squad and he probably thinks it should be him.
“I’m sure there’s some people who agree as well, I for one think he’s very very unlucky not to have had an England call-up. Will that generate to look to move to another club? Possibly to seek international recognition.
“He’s pretty unlucky given the lack of depth we perceive for England at centre-half, I think he’s been pretty unlucky. I’m not hearing anything that he’s desperate to push for a move at this point, he’s a top player but I don’t think he’d be one to leave this summer but, a lot can happen.
“I think Wolves are very happy with him and he’s very happy there, just that one little thing is that international recognition that could generate some interest possibly.”
Kilman is still developing and must be kept
It is positive to hear that Kilman is really happy at Wolves and the club are also happy with him.
At the moment, it does not sound as though there is any massive concern that Kilman could leave the club. He has his admirers, but ultimately, Wanderers are in a fairly strong position. He only signed a new contract last August.
Bailey does float the idea of Kilman possibly looking to move on in the future to boost his chances of making the England squad, which is a very valid point. The £50,000-a-week star has been quite unlucky so far not to have been called up, especially as a left-footed defender.
But most Wolves fans will hope that he won’t push for a move away for some time yet.
At the end of the day, Kilman is Wolves’ longest-serving player, is growing into his role as captain, and is still a few years away from his peak. So this summer would be a poor time to lose him.