Liverpool could look to complete a 'shock' move for Brentford skipper Nathan Collins, according to reports - with the Reds keen to add strength in depth to their defensive line after a somewhat shaky start to the Premier League campaign this weekend.
The Reds have already signed Bayer Leverkusen duo Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong, Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Ekitike and Bournemouth defender Milos Kerkez to come into their first-team so far this season, but having sold over £200million worth of players, there is even more money to bring in additional stars - and Collins could be one of those to arrive.
Report: Liverpool 'Targeting' Move for Brentford Star Nathan Collins
Nathan Collins
The report by the Daily Mail reporter Mike Keegan states that Liverpool are targeting a move for the Brentford skipper, with other interest in the Ireland international 'surging' - but the Bees may be reluctant to sell the former Burnley star.
Collins was given the captaincy by compatriot Keith Andrews at the Gtech Community Stadium, with the new gaffer describing him as a 'natural leader' - and, having seen Bryan Mbeumo depart alongside Christian Norgaard, Mark Flekken, Ben Mee and a potential exit for Yoane Wissa, there is no need to cash in.
But the interest of the Reds may prove too much for Brentford, who signed Collins from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2023 for a then-club record £23million, with two of the Bees' current stars having joined a 'Big Six' club this season.
Liverpool may need a replacement for Ibrahima Konate, who has been linked with a move to Real Madrid next summer once his contract at Anfield expires, following in the footsteps of homegrown star Trent Alexander-Arnold, who made the move to the Spanish capital this summer - and although they have been linked with Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi as well as already completing a move for young Parma centre-back Giovanni Leoni, Collins has emerged as an alternative.
The Reds conceded twice at home to Bournemouth in Friday's Premier League curtain-raiser after being 2-0 up, with Konate in particular not covering himself in glory on the night - and only a late Federico Chiesa winner alongside Mohamed Salah's strike rubber-stamping their victory spared Arne Slot of any defensive blushes.
Collins already has 116 Premier League outings for Burnley, Wolves and Brentford, a solid number at 24 years of age, and that experience could translate well alongside Virgil van Dijk, who signed a two-year contract extension over the summer to continue his dominance at the heart of his defence.
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