Manchester United will reportedly compete with Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur in the race to sign 24-year-old Irish defender Nathan Collins from Brentford this summer.

According to a report by TEAMtalk, Liverpool, Manchester United, and Tottenham Hotspur are interested in Nathan Collins. The three Premier League giants are eager to bolster their defensive units by signing a centre-back in the summer transfer window. So, the 24-year-old Brentford defender has emerged as a target, with the high-flying Premier League club slapping a price tag of £55 million on him.

How has Nathan Collins fared at Brentford?

Nathan Collins has been one of the most reliable defenders in the Premier League since joining Brentford from Wolverhampton Wanderers in a deal worth £23 million in July 2023. The Irishman has made significant progress over the last two and a half years, having established himself as a mainstay at the back for his club and country.

Collins has made over 100 appearances for Brentford thus far while chipping in with six goals and nine assists. Meanwhile, the 24-year-old defender’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile Premier League clubs. Liverpool, Manchester United, and Tottenham Hotspur are among the prospective suitors vying for his signature heading into the summer transfer window.

A man in demand

The Republic of Ireland international has been on Liverpool’s wishlist for a long time. The continued interest is understandable, as the Reds are scouring the market for a centre-back amid uncertainties surrounding Ibrahima Konate’s long-term future. Additionally, Virgil van Dijk is approaching the twilight of his career, and Joe Gomez has struggled with fitness issues throughout his spell with Liverpool. So, Collins is a viable target for the Merseyside club.

Meanwhile, Manchester United hold a long-standing interest in Nathan Collins. However, the continued interest is baffling, considering Harry Maguire is on the cusp of signing a new contract with the Red Devils. However, with Maguire on the wrong side of 30, Manchester United can do with a new centre-back to be the Englishman’s successor, with Collins an option worth considering.

As for Tottenham Hotspur, Cristian Romero’s long-term future is uncertain after his recent comments on the club’s situation. Additionally, Micky van de Ven may also leave the North London club in the summer transfer window. So, the Lilywhites need a new centre-back, with Collins a viable target.

The latest report has revealed that Brentford will demand a hefty fee to part ways with the 24-year-old Irishman, having slapped a price tag of £55 million on him. The Bees are “under no pressure to sell and would be expected to demand a significant fee” in the summer transfer window. It will be interesting to see what the future holds for the Republic of Ireland international.