West Ham ‘working on signing Max Kilman replacement’ after what he just did
West Ham have begun working to identify available centre-backs as they aim to upgrade on Max Kilman in the January transfer window.
That is according to former West Ham and Man United senior scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that Kilman‘s performances have been a major concern for Nuno Espirito Santo.
West Ham drew 2-2 with Bournemouth, despite having been 2-0 up in the game, and all eyes were on Kilman, who was to blame for both of the goals.
The 28-year-old gave away a penalty for a blatant hand-ball inside the box, before drifting away from Enes Unal and allowing space for the striker to finish.
West Ham fans have slammed Kilman for his displays so far this season, and he has now become a concern for the Hammers, who will look to upgrade in January.
West Ham plan to upgrade on Max Kilman
Football Insider revealed on 11 October that West Ham could accept offers for Kilman should they arrive amid interest from the likes of Crystal Palace.
Brown, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted the Hammers are keen to strengthen at the back if the right option becomes available.
“West Ham would like to upgrade on Max Kilman,” he told Football Insider.
“They’ve assessed that he isn’t good enough for where they want to be, so the next step is identifying somebody who they can bring in to improve.
“They will already be aware of some who might be available and working to find out about others.
“Kilman, though, is definitely somebody who they think they can improve upon because his performances have been nowhere near good enough this season.
“In that game against Bournemouth, first of all he gave away the penalty, and then it was his mistake which led to the second goal as well.
“Wan-Bissaka was marking his man, but Kilman decided to drift over and mark him as well, so the striker was left in enough space to turn and get his shot off.
“Those are the issues, it’s small details, things the manager can’t control, and he will have been frustrated by that because ultimately it cost them two points.
“So going into the transfer window, they want to land a centre-half, and if they can do that then it’s something they’ll certainly try for.”
West Ham assessing Kilman replacements in January
Matt Le Tissier warned Football Insider on 29 October that West Ham are too weak at centre-back after what has been a dismal start to the season in East London.
Nuno’s side have conceded 25 goals in 12 games so far this season, the second-worst defensive record in the league aside from bottom club Wolves.
As a result, the Hammers are eyeing a number of defensive options, as Brown told Football Insider on 18 November that West Ham want to sign Charlie Cresswell.
West Ham considered signing Cresswell during the summer but missed out on their late-window swoop and instead he remained at Toulouse.
Cresswell also represented England at the Under-21 Euros during the summer and played a key role in the heart of the back four as they successfully defended their crown.
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