Journalist Ben Jacobs insists Tottenham could target Max Kilman as Antonio Conte seeks a left-sided defender in the next window.
According to Ben Jacobs via Caught Offside, Max Kilman is a target for Tottenham in the summer. Antonio Conte could put the 25-year-old Premier League ace on his short list of left-sided centre-backs that fit the profile of players Spurs are searching for.
Antonio Conte’s future at Tottenham remains a question for their supporters. Yet, the manager’s plans for strengthening the club in certain areas remain intact, especially in defence. The Italian had wanted several players in the three windows he has taken charge of, but still, Spurs lack at the back.
Despite some additions of players like Clement Lenglet in the summer, Tottenham are nowhere near challenging for honours with this defence. Hence, Conte would like players of specific profiles to come in and strengthen the squad.
While Cristian Romero is certain to remain on the right side of a back three, Conte seeks an alternative option on the left side of the defence. Ben Davies or Lenglet have proved ineffective, hence the need for a new player who could come in as a starter.
Bayer Leverkusen’s Piero Hincapie was of interest, as suitors, including Tottenham, may have to pay around £50 million to sign the Ecuadorian. But, Ben Jacobs insists, Spurs may find it difficult to sign the 21-year-old if they fail to qualify for the Champions League.
They were also dealt a blow in the pursuit of Milan Skriniar. The Inter Milan star will likely join PSG on a free transfer, with the French giants making a significantly larger offer to the Slovakian compared to Tottenham.
Looking at other possibilities, Jacobs speculates, Tottenham could also look at 25-year-old Premier League ace Max Kilman. The left-footed centre-back has excelled for Wolves in the last 18 months. While he started this season on the wrong note, Julen Lopetegui’s arrival instilled new belief in the entire team, including the defender.
While his profile suits Conte’s requirements, he may depart Wolves in the summer for a bigger challenge. The Midlands side have the cushion of a long-term contract with Kilman; there are questions about how much they could demand from his sale.
On the Kilman links, Jacobs said. “Also, keep an eye on Wolves’ Max Kilman, who Spurs like and could well be on the move at the end of the season. What Antonio Conte really wants, in all positions, is more ‘starter signings’.
“Spurs made a high volume of additions last summer, but not every player is an automatic starter. Now I think the Spurs boss would prefer less names coming in but a higher number he’s confident go straight into his XI rather than only the matchday squad.”
Jacobs also suggested Spurs will not enter the market for mass signings. Conte would want players to come straight into the starting lineup rather than languish as squad options. The idea of Kilman is bright, but if bigger clubs come in, his price and demands could skyrocket.