Crystal Palace, Everton and Stoke are all thought to be interested in West Ham defender James Collins.
West Ham United defender James Collins has emerged as an unlikely transfer target for Crystal Palace, Everton and Stoke City, according to the Sun.
Yet with three Premier League clubs said to be interested in the 33-year-old, which side actually needs Collins – who is valued at £2m – the most?
Adrian and James Collins of West Ham United react during the Premier League match against Burnley.
Crystal Palace
The signing of Jairo Riedewald from manager Frank de Boer’s former club Ajax takes the Eagles’ tally of centre-backs to four.
While veteran Damien Delaney has just turned 36, Collins would be three years’ senior to the next eldest so it is hard to see why he would be needed at Selhurst Park.
Everton
This is perhaps the most surprising of the three, with the Toffees in the Europa League next season and spending big on talent that boss Ronald Koeman hopes will break them into the top six.
However, captain Phil Jagielka is approaching 35-years-old and Ramiro Funes Mori is going to miss much of the campaign through injury, meaning Collins could potentially be third choice behind Ashley Williams and new signing Michael Keane.
Glen Johnson of Stoke City is closed down by James Collins of West Ham United.
Stoke
The Potteries have just sealed the loan signing of Kurt Zouma from Chelsea and despite entering the final year of his current contract, skipper Ryan Shawcross told Sky Sports he wants to extend his stay.
Beyond that Geoff Cameron and Marc Muniesa provide adequate backup and Philipp Wollscheid has returned from his loan spell at Wolfsburg, so like at Palace it is difficult to see where Collins would fit in.
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