Aston Villa are plotting to make a bid to take defender James Collins back to the club as a free agent despite having been in training with Championship rivals Ipswich Town ahead of a prospective move, according to insider ExWHUemployee.
The Twitter account, who is a reputable source of all things to do with West Ham, claim that the 6’1″ (source: Transfermarkt) former Hammer and Villan is with the Tractor Boys as they look to tie him down to a contract, having left east London this summer.
Whilst he trained with Ipswich today, Aston Villa are also expected to make a late move for him and that will be tempting because it’s his former club and a big club too! I’m glad he has some interesting offers on the table ? https://t.co/GY5fl6UJJc
— ExWHUEmployee (@ExWHUEmployee) September 4, 2018
With 108 appearances for Villa under his belt, the Villa Park faithful saw plenty of the Welsh international between 2009 and 2012.
Good move for Villa?
Does Steve Bruce only have a list of former Villa players on his free agent shortlist, having been reportedly eyeing up a move for John Terry as well?
To be fair, Collins is a little younger and has recent Premier League experience under his belt, having only left West Ham a couple of months ago.
With the defence needing some more bodies, a free swoop is the only way to do so, and Collins could be an experienced fix at the back.
However, it is hardly a long-term option and there will be questions over whether he can keep up with the cut and thrust of the Championship.
This is Futbol rating: 8/10
Likely to happen?
Only if they can convince him not to move to Ipswich.
It seems as though the Tractor Boys are in pole position for his capture and it will take plenty of work to get him from signing on the dotted line.
A case of too little, too late perhaps for Villa, but they will be hoping that his former ties to the midlands can turn his head.
He will want to get his future sorted sooner rather than waiting on it, and if Villa are serious, they need to launch something immediately.
This is Futbol rating: 5/10