Wolverhampton Wanderers are so desperate to keep Max Kilman at Molineux that they could 'price him out of the market' when the window reopens in the summer, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

The central defender has gained interest from Premier League rivals in recent months and the West Midlands club may face a fight to keep Kilman on their books.

What's the latest news involving Kilman?

Bruno Lage was appointed as Wolves' head coach last summer, replacing the departed Nuno Espirito Santo, and the change in the dugout has paid off for Kilman.

The 24-year-old has failed to miss a single minute of Wolves' campaign, emphasising his importance to the Portuguese.

His performances have not gone unnoticed and England boss Gareth Southgate is mulling over whether to hand Kilman a maiden international call-up ahead of the Three Lions' upcoming friendlies against Switzerland and Ivory Coast.

According to talkSPORT, Kilman has worked his way onto boyhood club Chelsea's radar and the west Londoners have sent scouts to watch the defender in action.

The report suggests Blues head coach Thomas Tuchel has taken an interest due to serious doubts over whether Andreas Christensen, Antonio Rudiger and Cesar Azpilicueta will remain at Stamford Bridge.

Manchester United are also reportedly monitoring Kilman's situation, with current interim manager Ralf Rangnick impressed by the centre-half.

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What has Dean Jones said about Kilman?

Jones believes Wolves may refuse to entertain offers for Kilman when the transfer window reopens for business at the start of July.

The transfer insider reckons the Molineux-based club may use a similar tactic to which kept Adama Traore in the West Midlands for the first half of the campaign.

Jones told GIVEMESPORT: "I think Wolves will probably price him out of the market at this stage, if they possibly can.

"They'll do what they did with Adama Traore last summer because he's been so important to them."

Would Kilman's exit come as a blow to Wolves?

Kilman has previously been described by Wolves captain Conor Coady as 'outstanding', so it is clear he is highly-rated by his team-mates as well as other clubs.

Despite only being in March, this has already been Kilman's most productive campaign in a Wolves shirt and his importance to Lage should not be underestimated.

His presence has played a key role in Wolves conceding just 21 Premier League goals since the season got underway and his current employers challenging for a European spot.