Transfer insider says Leeds are in the race to snap up 'top, top' centre-back prospect

Leeds United are in the race to sign Burnley centre-back Nathan Collins during the summer transfer window, according to a fresh transfer rumour.

The Republic of Ireland international suffered the heartbreak of relegation with the Clarets last season, as their time in the Premier League came to an end.

Collins did largely well and arguably enhanced his reputation, however, starting 18 league matches, scoring twice and being described as a future ‘top top player’ by Ireland Under-21s coach Jim Crawford.

It looks as though a Premier League club will snap him up this summer and Leeds are in the hunt to sign him.

That’s according to talkSPORT’s ‘insider’ Alex Crook, who states that the Whites are one of a number of top-flight clubs interested in signing Collins before the start of next season.

Aston Villa and Wolves are also eyeing up a move for the 21-year-old, in what looks set to be a real tussle for his signature.

Leeds’ defensive issues were well-publicised last season – they conceded 79 goals in 38 league games – so bringing in Collins would help alleviate that issue.

Granted, the Irishman was part of a Burnley defence that got relegated but his performances were strong and he is a player whose best years should still be way ahead of him, already breaking into the senior side at international level and thriving.

With Rasmus Kristensen already brought in to sure things up at the back, Collins could be another who makes the Whites more resolute under Jesse Marsch, having averaged 4.3 clearances and 3.1 aerial duel wins per game in 2021/22.

In other news, one player has been eyed up as a Kalvin Phillips replacement at Leeds. Find out who it is here.

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