Tottenham are targeting a shock summer move for Brentford captain Nathan Collins, MailOnline journalist Mike Keegan has revealed.
The North London side have reportedly identified the 24-year-old centre-back as a potential reinforcement to their defensive options and are looking to reunite new manager Thomas Frank with the Bees’ skipper.
Manchester United and Liverpool are also rumoured to hold interest in Collins, although a deal in this transfer window remains difficult, as Brentford are highly reluctant to sell.
The Bees only handed the captain’s armband to Collins earlier this month and have no intention of parting ways amid their summer exodus, with Bryan Mbeumo, Christian Norgaard and Mark Flekken all departing.
Brentford are also expected to part ways with Yoane Wissa ahead of the deadline, with Newcastle now pushing to secure the 28-year-old Congolese international.
Tottenham Keen on Signing Nathan Collins
According to Keegan, Tottenham are on the lookout for late defensive reinforcements and Frank would be particularly keen on a reunion with Collins, whom he signed for Brentford from Wolves in 2023.
The 24-year-old Irish international demonstrated exceptional reliability last season, as he was the only outfield player to play every single minute of the Premier League campaign for his respective club, featuring in all of Brentford’s 38 games.
He has now been earmarked to play a key role for new head coach Keith Andrews, who saw former Brentford captain Norgaard depart to Arsenal for £15m earlier this summer.
Brentford are in a strong negotiating position if any Premier League clubs come calling for Collins, as he is under contract until the summer of 2028.
GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Collins captained Brentford in their 3-1 loss to Nottingham Forest at the weekend.
Tottenham are anticipating a busy final two weeks of the summer transfer window, as they are on the lookout for late reinforcements to Frank’s attacking options.
The Lilywhites are in talks to sign both Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze and Manchester City’s Savinho following Son Heung-min’s departure to Los Angeles FC and a long-term injury to James Maddison.
The England international suffered an ACL setback during pre-season and is expected to miss around six to seven months of action, joining another long-term absentee, Dejan Kulusevski, on the sidelines.