It has been reported that the Red Devils have shortlisted Kilman ahead of the summer window, as they need at least one new centre-half.

United have an injury-prone Lisandro Martinez, and then Jonny Evans and Raphael Varane are both not long-term options. Harry Maguire has been out of favour for a while, and Victor Lindelof has never really truly convinced.

So United have set their sights on Kilman.

While he is a very important player for Wolves, any player’s sale can never be ruled out under Fosun – as the owners seek to make the club self-sustaining.

Kilman is the captain, but he’s also an asset. It may well be that if a big offer comes in, then it will be accepted.

It would be a big shame to lose him – but Wolves may find one decent replacement in the form of Jake Clarke-Salter…

He does have some critics but by and large, the fanbase thinks highly of the 26-year-old and he is obviously still a few years away from his peak.

But it’s not out of the question he could go, and Clarke-Salter might just be a decent replacement.

The QPR defender was linked with Wanderers yesterday, and he has similar qualities to Kilman.

He has made 29 appearances in the Championship so far this season, having a consistent run in the team since early December.

The star has turned in some impressive displays of late, and has helped a previously struggling side QPR move six points clear of the relegation zone.

Clarke-Salter is a good ball-player, indicated by the fact he has an 82.6% pass completion rate (via fbref). For context, Kilman has a rate of 84.4%.

In terms of defending, Clarke-Salter has been a superior tackler to Kilman this season. He’s won 39 tackles to Kilman’s 17, and also has a slightly higher tackle success rate (74.4% to 73.1%).

He has made 29 interceptions to Kilman’s 30, and 27 blocks to Kilman’s 46. But of course, Kilman has played more league minutes (Clarke-Salter 2339, Kilman 2700).

One thing Wolves fans have seen Kilman do a fair bit since he came into the first-team is carry the ball out of defence. This season in the league, Clarke-Salter actually has a higher take-on success than the Wolves man with a rate of 77.8%, vs 66.7%.

Lastly, Clarke-Salter has just one error leading to a goal, whereas Kilman has made three.

Someone for Wolves to consider

There would obviously be an element of risk in Wolves signing Clarke-Salter to replace Kilman.

The star has never played in the Premier League before, so would obviously have to adapt to a new level.

But there’s no denying he’s quite similar to the current Wolves captain. He’s the same age, a similar height, also a left-footer and good on the ball.

QPR describe him on their official website as a ‘powerful, athletic and comfortable bringing the ball out from the back’, which does make him sound pretty appealing and somewhat like Kilman.

It remains to be seen if Wolves will swoop. If Kilman departs though, he is surely someone worth considering.

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