Gary O’Neil should seal £20m Wolves move for ‘magnificent’ gem to replace Max Kilman - opinion

Gary O’Neil may need to replace captain Max Kilman this summer as Manchester United have come calling.

Wolves have made a rapid start to the summer transfer window, sealing three incomings in the shape of Tommy Doyle, Rodrigo Gomes and Pedro Lima.

It marks a refreshing change from last summer as the Wanderers were cash-strapped and didn’t back Julen Lopetegui, resulting in him walking out of the club.

Fosun facilitated moves for some of their most talented players, too, as the likes of Matheus Nunes and Ruben Neves departed Molineux.

Pedro Neto is the latest prized possession expected to leave the club this summer, although it appears defender Max Kilman is attracting the most interest currently.

Man United want Wolves defender Max Kilman

Kilman was Gary O’Neil’s most used individual in 2023/24 as he played every single minute in the Premier League along with Arsenal’s William Saliba.

The 27-year-old flourished next to Craig Dawson, although when the veteran suffered an injury in March, Wolves back three crumbled and so did Kilman.

That end-of-season downfall hasn’t stopped clubs from showing an interest in the Englishman, though, and it has now been reported that Manchester United could come calling for the Wolves centre-back after struggling in their pursuit of Jarrad Branthwaite and other defensive targets.

For O’Neil to sell Kilman, Wolves have reportedly slapped a £45 million price tag onto his head but interest in his signature is high given West Ham and Tottenham have both joined the race.

Luckily, if the Old Gold do sell their captain for around that fee, an ideal replacement could be available for a fraction of the price.

Photo by George Wood/Getty Images

Wolves should sign Hull City’s Jacob Greaves if Max Kilman leaves

Jacob Greaves is the latest Hull player to be linked with a move to the Premier League, perhaps following in the footsteps of fellow academy graduates Jarrod Bowen and Keane Lewis-Potter.

The 23-year-old showed rapid progression last season under the watchful eye of Liam Rosenior as Hull narrowly missed out on the play-offs, and Greaves was named in the Championship Team of the Season.

The Tigers vice-captain warranted that selection as he led by example in the heart of Rosenior’s defence, showcasing “magnificent” attributes that can see him flourish at England’s top table, including his ability to drive out from the defence, distribute the ball superbly, win aerial duels and shut down opposition attacks.

As highlighted by FBref, the Englishman ranked in the top 4% for aerial duels, top 25% for tackles, the top 16% for pass completion and the top 24% for clearances when ranked against other Championship defenders.

It is therefore no surprise to anyone that multiple Premier League clubs have come calling for him – including Everton, West Ham and Tottenham – with Hull looking for in the region of £20 million.

If Kilman leaves Molineux this summer, O’Neil could land a potential upgrade on the defender for half of the price and that just screams solid business.