Reported Arsenal, Burnley and Crystal Palace target Nathan Collins is unlikely to leave Stoke City before Monday night’s transfer deadline, Potters boss Michael O’Neill has told the Sentinel.
It seems Stoke supporters can rest easy today.
During the past week or so, speculation linking Collins with a move away from the Championship outfit has gone into overdrive.
The Sun (24 January, page 59) reported Crystal Palace were battling Arsenal for the Republic of Ireland U21 international.
Burnley, meanwhile, see Collins as a potential long-term replacement for James Tarkowski and submitted a £4.5 million bid – one that was batted away by a Stoke side that values Collins in excess of £10 million (Burnley Express).
But O’Neill has brought an end to reports linking his 19-year-old powerhouse with an exit – until the summer anyway.
“I don’t envisage Nathan leaving Stoke in the near future. It would take a big number for us to do that,” says the former Northern Ireland boss, who has fielded Collins at centre-half and right-back this season.
“He’s a developing player. At this point in his career he’s a starting player in our team and wants to continue to build a number of games he’s playing.
“He doesn’t want, possibly, to leave and be part of someone’s squad as opposed to where he is at this minute in time.
“We have him on a long-term contract and the club has no desire to sell him. It would take a number much greater than the number I’ve seen bandied about.”
Stoke legend Lou Macari recently suggested the Potters should only consider selling for a fee in excess of £20 million – a fee that would make Collins the most expensive defender in Football League history (Sentinel).
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