Baggies bid to net Collins

Jul 8 2008 By Chris Lepkowski

ALBION are waiting to find out whether they will get the green light to pursue West Ham defender James Collins.

The centre-half, who turns 25 next month, has emerged as a potential loan target for Tony Mowbray.

And the Welshman is now due for talks with Hammers boss Alan Curbishley to determine whether he has a future at Upton Park.

Albion have declared their interest but the Londoners are nursing a number of key defenders through injuries, including Matthew Upson, Danny Gabbidon and long-term absentee Calum Davenport.

Anton Ferdinand's future is also in doubt, with Villa among the clubs being linked with a move for him.

But West Ham are expected to strengthen themselves and that could pave the way for his departure, although Collins himself is still some way from full fitness.

He suffered cruciate damage during a reserve game against Portsmouth in January and could yet miss the opening weeks of the season.

The Baggies would like to take Collins on a season-long loan deal with a view to a permanent move at the end of that term, assuming his recovery from the knee injury remains on track.

I understand the proposed deal may also be structured to include an option for Albion to sign him at a pre-agreed price during January, similar to the arrangement they had with Manchester City over Ishmael Miller.

Ex-Albion boss Bryan Robson tried to sign Collins three summers ago only for the player to opt for West Ham in a joint move with former Baggies man Danny Gabbidon.

Two players unlikely to join Albion are Sheffield Wednesday's highly-rated defender Mark Beevers and Swansea's midfielder Ferrie Bodde.

Both have been st rongly linked with summer moves but there are no plans to pursue them.

Newcastle striker Shola Ameobi remains a possibility although Albion are looking at a number of options.

Mowbray st ill plans to strengthen all areas of his team.