The West Ham United ace would add much needed experience to the Leeds United squad.
Recently appointed Whites boss Thomas Christiansen has a lot of work to do at Elland Road this summer, if he is to galvanise his troops after the bitterly disappointing end to last season’s campaign.
The 44-year-old will be looking to freshen up his options by making some quality acquisitions, in an attempt to increase competition and keep his current crop of players motivated ahead of the new Championship season.
Central defence will be an area where Christiansen would like to address, with the addition of a long-term partner for Pontus Jansson thought to be a priority.
Leeds are still trying to bring Kyle Bartley back to west Yorkshire on a permanent deal, but are being put off by Swansea City’s £7.5 million asking price, as reported in the print edition of the Sunday People on June 18th.
West Ham United’s James Collins
With this in mind, the Whites should consider switching targets, and make a move for Hammers centre-back James Collins, who played a peripheral role in West Ham’s campaign last term.
The 33-year-old is entrenched in experience, and would add a much needed level of authority to Leeds’ back-line.
Whilst he isn’t the quickest of defenders, the 6ft 2in Welshman is incredibly strong in the air, and possesses the fantastic ability to read the game with his knack of anticipating danger before it develops.
The Hammers star has earned 51 international caps with Wales, which serves to highlight his quality, and despite his advancing years, he is still well capable of producing the goods at the very highest level.
Perhaps the most appealing aspect about the potential of bringing Collins to Elland Road for the Leeds boss will be the fact that he has just one year remaining on his current deal at the London Stadium, and therefore will be available for considerably less than the £7.5 million being quoted for Bartley.
And if the Welshman does end up in west Yorkshire, it could turn out to be a signing of real significance for the Whites.
West Ham United’s James Collins in action
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
