Exclusive: West Ham plot £40m Wolves raid this summer

Max Kilman is a top transfer target for West Ham this summer in a deal which would cost upwards of £40million to complete.

Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed that Julen Lopetegui is a huge fan of Kilman, 27, after managing him at Wolves, but any deal would not be an easy one to get over the line given his price tag.

However, the financial situation at Molineux could force Wolves into selling their captain.

Lopetegui is keen to strengthen the centre-back depth at West Ham, with multiple defenders set to arrive in the upcoming transfer window.

This comes after Football Insider revealed that Brazilian defender Fabricio Bruno has agreed terms over a move to the London Stadium.

West Ham want to sign Max Kilman in £40million deal

Kilman featured in every Premier League game for Wolves last season and made 44 appearances in all competitions, guiding his team to an FA Cup quarter-final and 14th-placed league finish.

The centre-back joined Wolves from non-league side Marlow on a free transfer in 2018 and has gone on to make 151 appearances for the senior team.

He was also appointed as the club’s captain after Ruben Neves’ exit in 2023.

Shortly after becoming captain, Kilman signed a five-year contract to extend his commitment to Wolves until 2028 – further complicating any deal to lure him away this summer.

However, Lopetegui is determined to strengthen his defensive unit, with Kilman standing out as his top target at centre-back.

Former Hammers striker Frank McAvennie recently told Football Insider that the new boss could look to sell the entire back line at the London Stadium to make way for new arrivals.

Football Insider also revealed that Kurt Zouma will be told to find a new club over the summer, opening the door for Kilman’s arrival.