Chelsea may end up with their future captain if they complete a reported £35m transfer for Wolves star Max Kilman. The defender has been the subject of interest from several Premier League clubs ahead of the January transfer window.
Kilman has taken on the captaincy at Wolves this season and has performed well under Gary O’Neil. The Midlands outfit have risen to 13th in the Premier League table having finally put together a run of positive results under their new head coach.
At the centre of their improved performance has been new leader Kilman. But the 26-year-old has been linked with a move away from Molineux in the January window.
According to Chelsea writer Si Phillips, Mauricio Pochettino is a fan of the former England futsal international and could target a £35m move as part of his plans to strengthen his defence. The Blues have leaked 26 goals in just 18 Premier League matches this season despite spending heavily on new defenders under co-owner Todd Boehly.
Centre-back Wesley Fofana is set to be out long term with a serious knee injury. Benoit Badiashile has also suffered with fitness issues since his arrival from Monaco last January. Meanwhile, Chelsea require a succession plan for the 39-year-old Thiago Silva.
Pochettino spoke recently about wanting a bigger presence among his defensive options. The six-foot-three-inch Kilman, who also possesses a big frame, would certainly fit the profile of centre-back the Chelsea boss desires.
There is even the opportunity for Kilman to develop into a Chelsea captain. Pochettino prefers his leaders to speak English, having snubbed Silva for the armband this season and instead opted for English trio Reece James, Conor Gallagher and Ben Chilwell.
Kilman has taken on the leadership responsibilities at Wolves following the departure of Ruben Neves to Al-Hilal. He says he has embraced the new role.
“Yeah I’m really enjoying it, I’ve always wanted to progress and this is another progression for me to become the captain of Wolves,” Kilman said.
“I’m embracing it and enjoying it and I want to carry on and keep helping the boys out and do my best for this club. Of course everyone’s leadership style is different.
“Mine is calm and collected and I use my voice when I need to to make sure we do the right things as a team.”
