Report: West Brom consider move for free agent James Collins

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James Collins is a free agent after leaving West Ham United, and West Bromwich Albion are considering a potential swoop for the defender.

According to a report from The Sun on Sunday (08/07; page 61), West Brom are considering making a move for James Collins as Darren Moore looks to bolster his defensive options ahead of the coming Championship season.

The Baggies have so far endured a fairly quiet transfer window in terms of incomings. The deal to bring Sam Johnstone to The Hawthorns was an extremely encouraging sign this past week, but there appears to be plenty more work to do with Ben Foster swiftly leaving and Jonny Evans departing earlier in the summer for Leicester City.

While the goalkeeper situation has largely been addressed with Johnstone’s arrival, replacing Evans remains an unresolved problem. However, Moore appears to be stepping up his efforts with the new Championship campaign now less than a month away.

The Sun on Sunday (08/07; page 61) reports that the Baggies have made a bid for Kyle Bartley, but also have their eye on Collins following his release by West Ham earlier in the year.

Shrewd signing for the Baggies

The 34-year-old has made over 400 career appearances and was a tremendous servant to the Hammers. His final appearance for the club last season was clearly an emotional occasion and the fans were certainly not united on the decision to let him leave at the end of his contract.

He may be well into the twilight of his career, but he still has the quality to prove an incredibly shrewd signing, especially as he would arrive on a free transfer.

The Baggies released Gareth McAuley at the end of last season, so Collins’ arrival would see the former Wales international bring the kind of experience that would certainly help fill the void that McAuley has left behind.