Transfer Talk: Kilman signing can bolster West Ham's European push

West Ham are expected to move for Wolves captain Max Kilman if Nayef Aguerd leaves this January.

The centre-back, 26, has shone under Gary O'Neil this season as the Midlands outfit surprisingly push towards the Premier League's top half this term.

With a transfer fee as high as £40million touted, we look at what Kilman would bring to the Europe-chasing Hammers.

Premier League proven

Kilman thriving in the Premier League is nothing new, having been one of Wolves' most consistent performers ever since breaking into the first team in 2020.

He has missed just one of the Old Gold's Premier League games since the start of last season having taken over as their defensive lynchpin after Conor Coady's departure.

This term, he impressively takes top spot in the Premier League for headed clearances (53) and possessions won in the defensive third (76), while only two of his top-flight rivals have cleared the ball more often than him (92).

Kilman's experience of performing at the top level is arguably as good as any centre-back in England, so it is unsurprising that Moyes sees him as a shrewd addition.

Pressure to sell

On the face of it, a Premier League club selling their captain to a rival midway through the season seems unlikely.

But Wolves remain heavily restricted by financial fair play restrictions, meaning sales are likely to happen if O'Neil is to bring anyone in this month.

The Wolves boss recently said: "On the question of outs before ins, yes probably. If we can do a few bits going out it may help us with doing things that can come in. 

"So there may be some movement on that. That will pretty much be how January unfolds really, if we're able to do a few bits that free up some funds, we may be able to bring one or two in."

Loving life

Given stars such as Ruben Neves, Matheus Nunes and Nathan Collins were all sold in the summer to raise funds, Wolves would surely think twice before offloading another key star.

It would be a particularly strange move for the club to make considering how much Kilman seems to be enjoying life under current boss O'Neil.

The defender said last month: "Nobody really knew what was happening, Gary came in, and since then he's done an incredible job.

"How he sets us up tactically against the top teams and his man-management have been brilliant. 

"You could say Gary hasn't had much experience managing in the Premier League, but this is his time and he's showing it. He's been excellent."

Well suited

Kilman's leadership and physical superiority make him a good fit for David Moyes' men, while he is also adept with the ball at his feet.

The former Fulham youngster has completed 81 of his 188 long passes, which places him seventh among Premier League defenders.

He has generally featured on the right side of a back three at Molineux this term but also performed well in a back four, similar to the defensive shape Moyes has found success with.

With the Irons likely to receive a healthy fee if Aguerd departs for the Saudi Pro League, using it to land Kilman could well be a wise move as they target the top six and another deep European run.