Aston Villa are reportedly keen on signing Burnley defender Nathan Collins this summer, although they are not alone in expressing an interest. The Clarets may have been relegated from the Premier League last season but Collins was one of his side’s better performers throughout the campaign. The 21-year-old filled in impressively when the likes of James Tarkowski and Ben Mee were missing, making 19 appearances in the league in total and ranking as the club’s fourth best player.
With Burnley preparing for Championship football in 2022/23, it could be that Collins remains in the top flight moving forward.According to talkSPORT, Villa are ‘monitoring’ the centre-back’s situation, with his current deal at Turf Moor not expiring until the summer of 2025. New Burnley boss Vincent Kompany wants to build his defence around Collins, following the departure of Tarkowski and Mee, but he could find it hard to keep him, with Leeds United and Wolves also credited with interest.
THE VERDICT: STRONG SQUAD ADDITION
At 21, Collins would come in a long-term signing with a bright future ahead of him, having been hailed as ‘fantastic’ by Sean Dyche, as well as winning four caps for the Republic of Ireland – he even scored an incredible solo goal for his country this week. He would provide immediate competition for the likes of Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa, bringing a dominant presence that is highlighted by an average of 3.1 aerial duel wins per game in the league last season.
It is hard to see a player of Collins’ quality and potential playing in the Championship and Steven Gerrard should do his utmost to bring him in, gradually turning him into a regular over time. After a couple of transfer businesses completed already this summer Gerrard has been hailed for his active participation in the transfer window but he seems not to want to put a stop to it yet.