West Ham United are optimistic about beating Newcastle United to the signing of Max Kilman, according to a report from the Times.

The Hammers have been strongly linked to a move for the English defender ever since Julen Lopetegui took charge of the Hammers last month. However, his reported £45m price tag is one neither side is likely to pay.

Previous reports have suggested Tim Steidten’s bid of £30m for the defender was rejected for the central defender. There has also been an offer from the Magpies, their offer of midfielder Elliot Anderson plus cash was rejected by Wolves.

There is a big expectation in the West Ham camp that a bid of £40m would be accepted. However, a lot of consideration will have to be made before making that move as it would make him the most expensive defensive signing in West Ham history.

He will overtake Nayef Aguerd, the man he will most likely be replacing on the left side of defence for the Hammers. The Moroccan cost the club £30m in July 2022, so Kilman would be a significant increase on that.

Kilman is by far Julen Lopetegui’s main centre-back target for the Hammers as he really impressed him during his time in the East Midlands, defender appeared in all but one of his Premier League fixtures at Wolves. With the Spaniard keen to see the back of Kurt Zouma this summer, it has even been reported that he would look to make Max Kilman West Ham club captain.

Despite being left-footed, Kilman played the 21/22 season under Bruno Lage on the right of a back three where he looked solid. However, Lopetegui moved Kilman back to his preferred left centre back role, pairing him with former West Ham cult hero Craig Dawson. They formed a very solid partnership at the Molineux, he will be hoping he can play even better alongside Mavropanos at the London Stadium.

It was under Lopetegui that Kilman began to receive media attention, he was linked to moves to Chelsea and Manchester United, and now looks set to depart to either West Ham or Newcastle. Kilman has been even more important for Gary O’Neil, he played every single minute of the 23/24 Premier League campaign. William Saliba of Arsenal was the only other outfield player to do this. This would be a huge positive for West Ham, who are used to players like Kurt Zouma and Nayef Aguerd picking up injuries.

While the likely £40m fee for Max Kilman is extortionate, it would be a very smart move for the Hammers who are desperate for stability at the back. David Moyes’ side conceded a huge 74 goals in 38 games last season, the most in the club’s Premier League history.