Sport
Perfect Choice: Wolves now have a new top choice to replace Max Kilman
Wolves reportedly have a new top choice to replace Max Kilman, but face competition from Crystal Palace.
Wanderers cashed in on Kilman around a month ago now, with West Ham United signing the centre-back for £40 million.
Wolves were praised for that deal, with Kilman only costing £40,000 from Maidenhead United six years ago. The club had initially been reported to be looking for £45 million, but it was still a solid piece of business.
The search is now on for a replacement for Kilman.
Yerson Mosquera could be in line for an opportunity having impressed in pre-season. But the feeling that Wolves will still bring in another body.
And apparently, Jake Clarke-Salter is the new number one target for Wolves.
Wolves make Jake Clarke-Salter their top choice to replace Max Kilman
The Sunday Mirror have reported (via their print edition, 28/07, pg. 70) that Wolves have now made QPR defender Jake Clarke-Salter their number one target to replace Kilman.
QPR would be willing to sell for the right price, according to the publication.
It is suggested that he could cost somewhere in the region of £8 million, with the player having two years left on his contract at Loftus Road.
Wolves are said to see Clarke-Salter as ‘the perfect cut-price replacement’ for Kilman.
But Wolves may need to act quickly, because it is also mentioned that Crystal Palace could make a move for the player.
Marc Guehi has started to attract attention following his great performances for England at Euro 2024, and Oliver Glasner could pursue Clarke-Salter if he departs.
Wolves were first linked with Clark-Salter in April.
Replacing Kilman may not be easy
Wolves did brilliant work to get £40 million for Kilman. But he could still be fairly difficult to replace.
Ultimately, Kilman established himself as a solid Premier League centre-back and one of his best qualities was that he was extremely durable.
He was hardly ever injured and was always available, which is an underrated thing in football these days considering how intense English football is.
Kilman was also a top ball-player. He is among the best passing centre-backs in the English top-flight, so Wolves will do well to get someone in who can break the lines like he can, and also spray those long passes out wide.
KIlman could also the carry ball out of defence quite well, so it’ll not be an easy task getting someone with attributes like this.
But seemingly, Wolves feel that Clarke-Salter could be that man and it will be interesting to see if an approach will now be made.