Manchester United are reportedly interested in yet another player from Wolves, as they seek to build their squad ahead of 2024/25.
It is a new era at Old Trafford following the takeover by INEOS earlier this year, and Red Devils fans are expectant in the club’s first summer transfer window under new ownership.
Already this year, United are been linked with midfielder Joao Gomes, who was tipped as a potential long-term replacement for Casemiro.
Max Kilman was also a potential target for them, but he has now joined West Ham United for £40 million.
Matheus Cunha was also loosely linked with a move to Old Trafford, and in the past, the Red Devils have also shown some interest in Pedro Neto.
But now, United are looking at another player, but the sale of Kilman does put Wolves in a decent position.
Manchester United interested in Rayan Ait-Nouri, but Max Kilman sale helps Wolves
Last season, Rayan Ait-Nouri was one of the standout players at Molineux.
After being frozen out towards the end of 2022/23 by Julen Lopetegui, Ait-Nouri came roaring back in 2023/24 under Gary O’Neil, and dazzled supporters with a string of energetic displays.
Ait-Nouri improved massively under O’Neil, and was pretty much the first choice on the left side all season. He just missed a handful of games through injury.
Ait-Nouri has been mentioned as a potential exit this summer. At one point, it looked as though he or Neto would be the next ‘big’ sale.
But Kilman going does change the picture a little.
Give Me Sport are reporting that Manchester United are interested in signing Ait-Nouri. But they risk being priced out by Wolves due to the sale of Kilman.
Wolves bringing in £40 million for their former captain was solid business, and this will allow Wanderers to demand a high fee for Ait-Nouri as they do not need to sell the Algerian.
Indeed, it was claimed recently that Wolves had ‘no plans’ to sell Ait-Nouri.
Ait-Nouri staying will be a big boost
Ait-Nouri staying at Wolves for another season would be really good news.
He’s been at the club a little while now and last term there were seriously promising signs with him.
He still has the tendency to overplay a bit at times, and he could be more clinical in the final third. O’Neil described him as ‘mad’ last season, but also added that the sky is the limit for him. He is a brilliant player with very exciting potential, and it’s little wonder there are top clubs looking at him.
The sale of Kilman does put Wolves in a strong position over other assets.
If there is to be another ‘big’ sale this summer then surely it would be Neto before Ait-Nouri. Neto has been at the club longer and potentially he is now at his peak value. Ait-Nouri could be worth a lot more next summer and it’s definitely worth keeping hold of him.