Derby County are interested in pursuing Cardiff City striker James Collins this summer, according to The Sun's Alan Nixon, via Patreon.

The 31-year-old struggled for regular game time in his debut season with the Bluebirds in 2021/22 and was almost exiled under Steve Morison towards the back end of the campaign.

A summer exit appears to be best for both parties and the Rams could profit from that in their bid to return to the Championship at the first time of asking.

Collins scored 25 league goals for Luton Town in his last season in the third tier and would add some valuable experience to Wayne Rooney's squad.

There is still a lot of uncertainty off of the pitch at Pride Park, but Collins could be a marquee signing if that can be resolved in time to prepare for 2022/23.

FLW writer Adam Jones delivered his verdict on how Collins would fit in at Derby when he appeared on the EFL Transfer Zone on FLW TV.

He said: "He'll find himself quite lonely, because of the amount of players that Derby County have out of contract.

"It'd be a good move for him, to a top end League One side, I'm not sure I'd say that the step down is needed, but I think it could give him a confidence boost in playing against weaker opposition.

"He was a decent asset for Luton in the second tier, before moving to Cardiff where it hasn't really worked, but we've seen James Collins throughout the years he has been prolific.

"For me, this would be a very good signing for Wayne Rooney with his goalscoring pedigree."

Collins' nous and record at the level, would make him a smart addition for any third tier side aspiring to achieve promotion in 2022/23 and it would be a statement of intent from the Rams.

Hopefully, a takeover can be confirmed soon and the 31-year-old can secure his future away from the Welsh capital.