Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool all face obstacles to sign Brentford captain Nathan Collins

Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool all face obstacles to sign Brentford captain Nathan Collins - Paper Round

Published 17/08/2025 at 23:01 GMT+1

Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool are all keen on Brentford central defender Nathan Collins, while West Ham United expect Lucas Paqueta to stay despite previous interest from Manchester City. Elsewhere, Fiorentina goalkeeper David de Gea has been linked with a return to Old Trafford, and Jadon Sancho and Tyrell Malacia could join AS Roma this summer.

Guardiola: Man City have 'too many players'

Video credit: SNTV

Three PL sides chase Collins

Brentford captain Nathan Collins is wanted by Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur, who may struggle to sign him.

The 24-year-old defender is attracting attention, but Brentford do not have to sell after recent departures, and will also not want to lose their skipper.

Premier League

Glasner reveals Eze release clause has expired amid transfer speculation

The Daily Mail states: "Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham are all targeting a move for Brentford captain Nathan Collins.

"Daily Mail Sport understands that interest in the 24-year-old centre-half is surging – although The Bees may well be highly reluctant to sell.

"Irishman Collins was given the captain’s armband earlier this month and promptly celebrated by scoring the only goal of the game in a friendly victory against neighbours QPR.

"New manager and compatriot Keith Andrews spoke glowingly of the former Stoke City and Burnley defender, describing him as ‘a natural leader’. And, following a summer which saw two key players depart, Brentford have no need to cash in on a player who joined for a club record £23m from Wolves on a six-year deal in 2023.

"However, United and Spurs have now joined Liverpool in tracking Collins, who succeeded the departing Christian Norgaard as skipper."

Paqueta to stay at West Ham

Karren Brady expects Lucas Paqueta to stay at West Ham United, despite previous interest from Manchester City.

After Paqueta was cleared of spot-fixing, West Ham expect him to stay after their support for the Brazilian.

The Evening Standard writes: "West Ham vice-chair Karren Brady is adamant that Lucas Paqueta will stay at the club this season.

"There has been speculation that Paqueta, who was recently cleared of spot-fixing charges, could look to seek a move away this summer.

"The 27-year-old attracted interest from Manchester City earlier in the summer.

"However, Brady was clear that, having stood by the Brazilian midfielder during a two-year investigation, which carried the threat of a lifetime ban from football, the club were confident of keeping Paqueta."

Man Utd linked to De Gea

Manchester United are weighing up a move for their former goalkeeper David de Gea.

The Sun reports that there is a release clause in his Fiorentina contract that lets him leave for a low price.

The paper explains: "The news will intensify speculation over his future after SunSport revealed Man Utd were considering a shock swoop for former club icon David de Gea.

"The Spaniard has a release clause in his deal at Italian club Fiorentina that could see him rejoin the club for a cut price.

"He is just one of several options under consideration by Ruben Amorim as he looks to strengthen in net.

"Paris Saint-Germain keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma has also been linked with a move to the North West."

Sancho and Malacia could make Roma switch

AS Roma could sign both Jadon Sancho and Tyrell Malacia from Manchester United this summer.

The left-back is one of several players - including Sancho - who are frozen out of the first team while they look for new clubs.

The Mirror reports: "Jadon Sancho might not be the only player moving from Manchester United to Roma this summer.

"The Italian club, who previously had ex-United manager Jose Mourinho at the helm, have also been linked with out-of-favour left-back Tyrell Malacia.

"Former Feyenoord defender Malacia has struggled for minutes since returning from a long spell out through injury. The Dutch international ended last season on loan at PSV Eindhoven, but the Eredivisie champions haven't made the move permanent."

- - -

Stream the Premier League, Men’s and Women’s FA Cup, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League and more on TNT Sports and discovery+

Transfers

Newcastle sign Ramsey from Aston Villa

Football

Casemiro tips Premier League star over Yamal, Dembele for Ballon d'Or