Manchester United add Wolves captain Max Kilman to transfer shortlist but face competition from Chelsea

Manchester United are interested in Wolves captain Max Kilman as they look to strengthen their defence, talkSPORT understands.

He Red Devils We hope the summer will be an opportunity to revitalize a team that has looked mediocre for much of this season.

AND Wolves Defender Kilman has caught the attention of the United staff.

The 26-year-old has been a valuable part of a standout season for Wolves, which has seen them knock on the door of European football.

With several United central defenders suffering from injuries this season, Kilman could add a much-needed option to Erik ten Hag in defence.

United have recently suffered the losses of Lisandro Martínez and Víctor Lindelof which appears to be out of action for a month.

Signing a defender is seen as a priority at Old Trafford and United are reluctant to pay the odds for Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite.

Meanwhile, Kilman, who signed for Wolves in 2018 from non-league Maidenhead United, has been a regular starter for Wolves. first division games this season.

And the Englishman's experience was rewarded last summer when he was named captain to succeed Ruben Neves.

But if the past is any guide, United are likely to have more than a few problems signing the centre-back.

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Wolves rejected a £30m bid from Napoli for Kilman in 2023, meaning they are likely to accept a substantial offer to tempt him.

Shortly after, Kilman also signed a contract extension that will keep him at Wolves until 2028, a sign of the club's determination to retain their captain.

When Kilman signed the extension, the Wolves sporting director explained how important this had been for the club.

He said: “There was a lot of interest in Max, we had a number of offers but we haven't changed in terms of wanting him to stay.

“We believe he is the soul of the team as he has been here for a long time, so he was never a player we considered selling.”

United hope that position has changed, although there has yet to be any contact between the two clubs over a possible move, despite the Red Devils sending staff to watch Kilman play several times this season.

To further complicate United's situation, they also face competing interests from Chelseawho according to talkSPORT are also interested in signing the defender.

Chelsea have also had a poor season, currently 12th in the Premier League standings, and could benefit from a defender of Kilman's quality.

Come summer, Kilman is likely to have plenty of options for potential moves, as well as having a club that will be desperate not to let him go.