Aston Villa are biding their time before making a move for James Collins, despite the former West Ham man training with the club.

Birmingham Live report that Collins, who left the Hammers in the summer, is looking to impress Steve Bruce and earn a deal.

He's been with Ipswich Town and Stoke City, but is currently training with Villa, who are desperately short on centre backs. There's still some way to go on a new deal though, as Bruce explains:

"James is coming in training with us when he is available. He has nicked a hamstring, unfortunately. He has been fit with West Ham and Ipswich so we have invited him up."

That hamstring niggle is the current stumbling block, Collins is eager to prove his fitness, but Bruce won't move for an injured player. Of the possible move, Collins said;

“It was quite well known that I was training at Ipswich last week and Stoke, I’m still in contact with them. I would go anywhere. I love playing football, still do, and I’ve got plenty in the legs."

The 35-year old has previously played for Cardiff City, moving to West Ham before joining Villa in 2009. after three seasons he moved back to West Ham, where he amassed a total of 213 senior appearances.

The Verdict

Collins is desperately needed at Villa, they might not admit it but having Jedinak in the centre of defence, or even Tuanzebe for that matter, is not working.

The situation threatens to derail their season and Bruce will want Collins to prove his fitness just as much as the Welshman wants it for himself.

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