Leeds United are said to be interesting in signing Nathan Collins as they believe he is a player with huge potential. The Burnley centre-back was a rare shining light in their thoroughly disappointing season which ultimately ended with relegation.
Despite finishing above the Clarets, Leeds were nowhere as stable at the back and look keen to address their defensive frailties this summer. Only Norwich conceded more goals than the Whites who leaked 79 goals in their 38 games, 26 more than relegated Burnley.
Sean Dyche’s, and then Mike Jackson’s, side struggled at the other end of the pitch where they scored less than a goal a game on average. Defensively, it was a different story as 10 Premier League teams conceded more goals than Burnley.
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In the heart of that backline for much of the season was Collins and, according to Football Insider, his performances have put Leeds and Newcastle on alert. Both teams are said to be preparing offers for the 21-year-old in the knowledge that relegation should mean they get a cheaper deal than they would have done had Burnley survived on the final day.
Incidentally, as good as Collins had been throughout the season, he played a big role in his side’s final-day defeat which inadvertently helped Leeds’ prospects. It was his strange handball which led to the awarding of the penalty from which Callum Wilson opened the scoring from for Newcastle. The Magpies went on to win 2-1 which, paired with Jesse Marsch’s side’s win at Brentford, ensured the Whites would be playing top-flight football for a third consecutive season in August.
Considering the largely poor track record of signings from around Europe since returning to the top flight, it is easy to see why Leeds might now look at players with proven Premier League records. Collins is certainly one of those and he has plenty of development ahead of him at just 21 years of age.
He also has international experience with two caps for Republic of Ireland’s senior team after featuring for his country’s U17, U19 and U21s teams previously. If there is any truth in the rumours linking him to Elland Road, it will still be very much in the early stages but is certainly worth keeping an eye on for Whites supporters.
