Brentford defender Nathan Collins has emerged as an apparent transfer target for a number of top Premier League clubs, with Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham all reportedly keen on the 24-year-old center-back.

The Ireland international, 24, was named the new Brentford captain earlier this month following Christian Norgaard's move to Arsenal, and he is a defender who is rated highly by some of the division's biggest clubs.

Liverpool is open to signing a new defender before the closure of the transfer window, although there are contrasting reports around the situation, with The Athletic saying the Reds only have eyes for Marc Guehi, and will not pursue an alternative if they fail to land the Palace captain.



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If Liverpool does move for Collins, though, that would see him complete a transfer that would be the reverse of the move one of his international teammates made earlier in the summer.

Caoimhin Kelleher swapped Liverpool for Brentford due to a desire to play every week after spending several years as Alisson's understudy at Anfield.

Collins joked about the role he played in convincing the Bees to sign Kelleher, as he said he spoke highly of the 26-year-old whenever he was asked about the goalkeeper by anyone at Brentford.

“He shows his qualities as a keeper here [with Ireland]," Collins said during the most recent round of international fixtures.

"But it will be even better when we can train together every day and build our relationship a bit more, on and off the field.

“It will help Brentford and Ireland

Nathan Collins of Brentford

Asked if he played a role in Brentford signing Kelleher from Liverpool, Collins said: “A few people asked me what he was like and obviously I spoke highly of him, I’m not going to lie.

“But no, listen, he done it all himself - he’s shown what he can do on the highest level of football for Liverpool

1 at a good club.”

Regarding Liverpool's center-back pursuit, the club signed the highly rated 18-year-old Giovanni Leoni from Parma last week, taking the number of center-backs in Arne Slot's squad back up to four — the same amount as last season.

Jarell Quansah's move to Bayer Leverkusen at the beginning of July left Liverpool needing a replacement for the England international, and the acquisition of Leoni saw them fulfil that requirement.

The Athletic reported that Liverpool is open to making Guehi the fifth center-back in Slot's squad but will only do so if the terms of the deal make financial sense.

Collins, meanwhile, is contracted to Brentford until 2029, so he would no doubt command a significant fee were he to leave the Gtech Community Stadium before the transfer window closes.


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