Sports writer, Pete O’Rourke has claimed Leeds and Newcastle are ready to battle it out for 21-year-old Republic Of Ireland defender from relegated Burnley.
Nathan Collins, who gifted Newcastle a penalty on the last game of the season with an almost-Maradona-esque handball, is attracting interest from Eddie Howe as he looks to bolster his defensive options with younger players.
Leeds and Newcastle are set to offer a Collins a lifeline to stay in the Premier League after an impressive debut season with the Clarets. After Burnley lost their first choice centre backs, James Tarkowski and Ben Mee, Collins was asked to step up in the heart of the Burnley defence and quickly proved his worth.
Finishing the season with 19 league appearances and popping up with two goals, Collins is seen as a hot prospect and has even been called up to represent his country at International level.
Newcastle have missed out on Diego Carlos, however it was never really clear if the interest in the Brazilian defender was still there this summer after failing to bring him in during the January window. Sven Botman still remains a firm target and will likely be seen as someone to fit right into the first team whereas Collins would likely be brought in as more of a back-up option.
The Toon defence is knocking on a bit with several players passing the 30 mark and a couple more approaching that line, which is why a move for Diego Carlos, 29, may also have been put aside in favour of more youthful targets.