Leeds United and Newcastle United are reportedly among the clubs keen on a move for 21-year-old Burnley defender Nathan Collins.
Following Burnley’s relegation, we can expect a myriad of Premier League clubs flocking to sign their star players in the upcoming summer transfer window. According to a report from Football Insider, one of the players in line to earn a Premier League move could be Nathan Collins.
The young centre-back has indeed become a sought-after prospect in the English market, with Newcastle United and Leeds United among the clubs interested in securing his services. Both the clubs are aware of Collins’s potential and want to offer him another opportunity to showcase his talents in the Premier League.
Formerly of Stoke City, Collins was regarded as one of the most talented defensive prospects in England when he joined Burnley last summer, for a fee of around €14 million. In his maiden season in the top flight, the 21-year-old defender racked up 19 league appearances, building a defensive partnership alongside James Tarkowski and Kevin Long.
Although his contributions at the back were not enough to help Burnley escape the wrath of relegation, Collins has impressed the onlookers with his maturity and composure that is far beyond his age. His imposing 1.93m also makes him a tailor-made fit for the physically astute nature of the Premier League, as it hands him a considerable advantage in physical and aerial duels.
Nathan Collins’s performances have not gone unnoticed, with Leeds United among the clubs eyeing a swoop for the Irishman this summer. Leeds struggled with injuries all season, and the Whites are keen on adding another centre-back to their ranks this summer.
Leeds have been linked with a move for 1.FC Koln star Timo Hubers, but in Collins, they could find themselves a young defender who has proven himself in the Premier League.
Newcastle United, meanwhile, are in the market for Sven Botman and other top-quality defensive talents. But Eddie Howe also wants to add a crop of young talents, who are well attuned to English football and could serve as potential alternatives for the first-choice options.
However, signing someone like Nathan Collins could be tricky for Newcastle and Leeds despite Burnley’s relegation. Given his age, the 21-year-old would not mind plying his trade in the Championship and gaining more experience in professional football. More importantly, the Clarets would look to make a big profit out of the €14 million they had spent on the player.
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It could potentially rule Leeds United out of competition, while the value could be simply way too expensive for a backup, as far as Newcastle are concerned.
