James Collins will be available on a free transfer this summer, despite having one year remaining on his deal at Cardiff City, as per the Daily Telegraph's John Percy.

Collins struggled for regular minutes last season, particularly under Steve Morison, and even Chanka Zimba was selected ahead of him on one occasion.

The 31-year-old has been a reliable goal-getter in the EFL for some years now and looks poised for a move to Derby County, as was supported by Percy.

The Irishman came up with 30 goal contributions in all competitions in 2018/19, as Luton Town won the third tier title, and he would offer some much needed experience as the Rams look to rebuild their attacking contingent.

The likes of Sheffield Wednesday, Ipswich Town, Bolton Wanderers and Peterborough United are looking very strong in assembling squads capable of pushing for promotion, but with the momentum built at Pride Park last term, Derby could be very hard to stop if they can start strongly.

Collins hit double figures in the second tier in 2019/20 and 2020/21 for the Hatters, and will be hoping to return to that sort of potency in front of goal after a one-season blip in the Welsh capital.

Surrounded by some very exciting younger players, Collins could be the marquee signing of this transfer window in the East Midlands.

The Verdict

Collins would be an excellent pick-up for any League One side this summer, and even more so now that the Bluebirds are content letting him go for free.

The race for the golden boot is set to be very competitive in the third tier this season coming, however Collins would certainly emerge as one of the favourites due to his previous goalscoring pedigree at the level.

Even with the impressive calibre of player that the Rams are bringing into the club at the moment, it is going to be difficult to get them all to gel quickly and that in turn could make it difficult for Derby to compete towards the very top end in the opening few months of the season.