West Ham United could face stern competition from Manchester United in their attempts to land a Premier League skipper this summer.
With Erik ten Hag extending his stay at Old Trafford, Manchester United can finally focus on bolstering their squad in the weeks ahead.
There is plenty of work to be done for the Red Devils and Julen Lopetegui faces a similar task at West Ham as he bids to shape the squad in his image.
Both clubs are on the lookout for fresh options in central defence, particularly Ten Hag after Raphael Varane’s departure.
Kurt Zouma could also head out the door at the London Stadium while Nayef Aguerd is reportedly keen on a switch to Atletico Madrid.
West Ham seem to have identified Max Kilman as their preferred centre-back target as Lopetegui eyes a reunion with the Wolves defender.
The Hammers have already made contact with Wolves over a move for the Englishman. But with Ten Hag also eyeing reinforcements at centre-back, journalist Ben Jacobs has claimed United could emerge as an option for Kilman.
Man United could move for West Ham target Max Kilman
Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jacobs shared the latest on Kilman’s future amid interest from West Ham and Man United.
The journalist claims that should the Hammers be priced out of a move for the defender, it could open the door for Ten Hag’s men to swoop in.
“I would keep an eye on Max Kilman, who Manchester United have discussed since April,” Jacobs said. “Even though the expectation is that if he departs, it could be for West Ham and a reunion with Julian Lopetegui, the number that Wolves would sell for could be too much for West Ham, because I’m told that Wolves don’t want to lose their captain, but if they do, it’s going to be for around £45m.
“And it may be that West Ham walk away at that kind of number, opening the door potentially for Manchester United.”
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What Kilman has said about Lopetegui amid West Ham interest
Despite the possible threat from Manchester United, Kilman enjoyed a brilliant spell under Lopetegui during the Spaniard’s short tenure at Wolves.
After a key victory over West Ham back in January last year, the defender praised his boss for making positive changes after his arrival at Molineux.
“We’ve put our heads down and worked really hard in training. And it has paid off today [against West Ham],” he told BBC Sport.
“We’re defending better and we’re more solid – this is the real Wolves. We’re just delighted to get the win and go from there. We’ve bonded a lot over the break and have gelled together, and you can see that on the pitch.
“Every game in the Premier League is so tough, and West Ham are a great side, so to get the clean sheet means everyone is delighted.”