Man United make Wolves star admired by Andriy Shevchenko a 'top' transfer target

Manchester United are to prioritise signing a centre-back in the summer a transfer priority with two English Premier League defenders in mind.

The Red Devils have been making key appointments off of the pitch in recent months with Jason Wilcox joining as their technical director. Dan Ashworth is hoping to join as sporting director and is going through arbitration at Newcastle United to try and push through a move to Old Trafford.

United are in need of a centre-back this summer and with there being an emphasis on signing English players, they reportedly have two players in mind. Wolves captain Max Kilman is at the top of their shortlist according to The Times, along with Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi.

Palace are expected to demand £55m for Guehi with two years left on his contract. The 23-year-old underwent knee surgery in February in the hope of making Gareth Southgate's EURO 2024 squad.

As for Kilman, he could be available for a similar price. He signed a new five-year contract in the summer of 2023, with Wolves warding off interest from both Napoli and Spurs, with a £30m being rejected. The Times add that Europa League quarter-finalists West Ham also hold an interest in signing him.

The 26-year-old was appointed club captain this season and has played in 41 games across all competitions, getting two goals and an assist. Under his stewardship, the defence has kept four clean sheets in the league this term.

As for United's interest, there has not been any contact between the two despite United watching over him several times this season. Earlier this month it was reported by talkSPORT that Chelsea were also 'keen' to sign Kilman.

The former Futsal international last week revealed that it was his ambition to make the England squad. He was offered the opportunity to play for Ukraine by Andriy Shevchenko but because he had played for England in the futsal, he was prohibited from switching nationality by FIFA.

“I’m not going to give up until it is impossible,” he said to the Guardian.

“I know I’ve got to improve but I know I’m doing really well as well; I am definitely competing with the other centre‑backs in the Premier League. Before, my goal was to become a regular at Wolves and now my goal is to play for England and that’s the next step.

“I think I’ve been consistent the last couple of seasons and I think I’m really pushing to be in the squad. It is my dream to play for England.”