Leeds must sign James Collins on a free transfer

James Collins will not be re-joining West Ham United this summer despite training with the club, and Leeds United should be looking to pounce to sign the 35-year-old.

What’s the word, then?

Collins left West Ham at the end of last season, but it had recently been suggested that the centre-back could return to the Hammers on a short-term deal.

Such speculation has been addressed by West Ham boss Manuel Pellegrini, however, who revealed that his team would not be offering Collins a contract.

A number of clubs are believed to be closely monitoring developments surrounding the central defender, and there is no question that he will soon have a new club.

At the age of 35, Collins is not a long-term option by any means, but there is no doubting that he is good enough to play a season or two at Championship level.

And Leeds really should be considering an approach for the former Wales international as they look to secure a return to the Premier League in Marcelo Bielsa’s first season at the helm.

Why would Collins be a good signing?

There is simply no substitute for experience, and bringing Collins to Elland Road at this stage of the season would be a huge boost for Leeds.

[brid autoplay=”true” video=”257599″ player=”12034″ title=”Watch Leeds’ opening fixtures for the 201819 Championship season”]

The Whites have started the 2018-19 campaign in terrific fashion – collecting 10 points from their four Championship matches to sit top of the table.

Centre-back Liam Cooper is facing a period on the sidelines with a hamstring problem, however, and there is no question that the Whites could do with another player in that area of the field.

Rather than seek a loan deal from a Premier League club, Leeds should be looking at a player who has made 279 Premier League appearances during a very strong career.

Collins has been there and done it, and the 6ft 2in defender would be a towering presence for Bielsa’s side if a deal was to take place.

[ad_pod ]