West Ham stalwart free to open January talks with other clubs, PL rivals interested – report
West Ham centre-back James Collins will be free to open talks with other clubs in January as the Hammers have yet to begin discussions over a new contract, according to a report.
The Daily Mail claim that Welsh international enforcer Collins, whose contract ends at the end of the season, is open to extending his five-year stint at the club, but is yet to be approached regarding a new deal.
With the January window close to opening, the 34-year-old stalwart will soon be free to talk to other clubs about signing on a free transfer in the summer.
It is said that there will be plenty of Premier League interest in Collins, with Everton known to have made enquiries about the player in the past.
Collins has recently made his way back from an ankle injury, starting their 3-0 win against Stoke and their 1-0 EFL Cup loss to Arsenal.
Football Insider verdict:
Collins has been a loyal servant to the Hammers, and is currently in his second stint at the club. Having spent 10 years over two spells in east London, it would be surprising to see them let him walk away for nothing. However, Collins isn’t getting any younger, and maybe David Moyes will look to freshen up his defence in the summer. The Welsh international will still be a target for certain Premier League clubs, as he offers vast experience and leadership in any back line.
In other West Ham transfer news, the Hammers are reportedly eyeing up a double swoop for these two PL players.
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