Both Leeds United and Newcastle United have set their sights on the signature of a key member of Burnley’s backline, according to reports.
The player in question? Nathan Collins.
Clarets fans will of course be well aware of the head-turning impact made by stopper Collins over the latter months of the 2021/22 campaign.
On the back of the long-term injury suffered by captain and leader Ben Mee, youngster Collins was tasked with stepping into a starting role at the heart of Burnley’s defence, amid the club’s efforts to stave off a late-season relegation.
And though Mike Jackson’s troops, as a collective, of course saw their efforts to do so come up short, Collins’ stellar individual form went on to catch the eye of rival clubs across the Premier League landscape.
BURNLEY, ENGLAND – APRIL 21: Nathan Collins celebrates after scoring a goal to make it 2-0 during the Premier League match between Burnley and Southampton at Turf Moor on April 21, 2022 in Burnley, United Kingdom. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
St. James’ bound?
In turn, it shouldn’t come as all that much of a surprise to hear that two clubs to have maintained their top-flight status this past season have set their sights firmly on Collins’ services.
As per a report from journalist Pete O’Rourke, both Newcastle and Leeds are ‘eyeing moves’ for the Republic of Ireland international this summer.
Little else in the way of details are provided as part of the report, but should Collins’ head be turned by the prospect of an immediate return to the Premier League, then the powers that be at Burnley may well be faced with a tough task in keeping hold of their talented young defender.
Newcastle and Leeds are eyeing moves for Burnley defender Nathan Collins. #nufc #lufc #BurnleyFC #twitterclarets
— Pete O’Rourke (@SportsPeteO) May 27, 2022
Reinforcements at the back could therefore well be on the cards at Turf Moor ahead of next season, with James Tarkowski too primed to depart upon the expiration of his contract at the end of the month.
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