Manchester United 'add Wolverhampton Wanderers defender to summer shortlist'

Since Sir Jim Ratcliffe became a minority owner and was put in control of footballing operations, United have been linked with a wide array of players.

Although several areas could be strengthened when business reopens in June, the Red Devils most notably require some fresh faces in defence.

In the short term, injuries have blighted Erik ten Hag's squad, the likes of Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof each being ruled out for at least a month earlier this week.

Nevertheless, by the time that next season comes around, all but one of United's current central defenders are due to be 30 years of age or over.

Who could leave Old Trafford?

Of the current incumbents, Raphael Varane may depart on a free transfer, providing that reports over his contract expiring in June are correct, while Jonny Evans is 36 and could be released.

Lindelof and Harry Maguire's deals are due to expire in 2025 and talks will be required to determine how they fit into the new regime at Old Trafford.

Martinez remains a long-term option at United, yet making just 11 appearances this season has only heightened concerns over his fitness in the long-term.

According to The Times, Kilman has emerged as a potential addition to the United squad courtesy of having consistently impressed at Molineux.

What does Kilman offer?

Perhaps most notably for United, Kilman has featured in all but one of Wolves' most recent 68 matches in the Premier League.

Goals have been in short supply - Kilman only has three in 141 matches for the West Midlands outfit - yet the 26-year-old is now Wolves captain and attracted interest from Napoli last summer.

What may count against United is Kilman still having over four years left on his contract, while he has only ever spoken of his happiness with life at Molineux, where he has been since June 2018.

Kilman would also command a sizeable transfer fee, likely to be considerably in excess of the £30m offers that were rejected last summer, and that could lead to United ultimately targeting younger alternatives.

Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite, Nice's Jean-Clair Todibo and Lille's Leny Yoro have all been linked with a move to the Theatre of Dreams in recent weeks.