Max headroom

Under the cover of an electoral earthquake West Ham have achieved another stunning feat - signing a central defender who might be half-decent. The club has signed Max Kilman for £40million from Wolves, helped by the fact the Midlands club have financial fair play problems. Max was Lopetegui's captain when he was at Wolves. He'll certainly be fitter than Kurt Zouma and could do much to address the defensive frailties of last season. The fact he's a leader could be just what the Irons need. 

The 27-year-old has an interesting background, being born to Ukrainian parents and growing up in London. He's come up the hard way via Alan Devonshire's Maidenhead, which is no bad thing, and is an England international at futsal. Kilman seems to be a good character all round. Scout Matt Hobbs, who signed him for £40,000 at Wolves, says, "I don't know anyone at the club who would have a negative word to say about him." Could he be West Ham's next captain? Whatever, it's encouraging to have got some business done early.

A view to a Kilman

West Ham have bid £25 million for Wolves' Max Kilman according to the Guardian. That won't be enough as Wolves want £40 million plus, though their problems with Financial Fair Play regulations might make them keener to sell. He's a very dependable player who didn't miss a game last season, though ominously Newcastle are also looking at him. Hopefully Lopetegui's time managing Kilman at Wolves might count for something. The Irons need to pay whatever it takes as centre back is the number one priority after last season's 74 goals conceded, plus the injuries of Zouma and the release of Ogbonna. Though one bonus of getting Kilman would be that the Hammers could possibly have a centre back partnership of Maximilian and Konstantinos, meaning we really would have two big name defenders.