This article is part of Football League World’s ‘The Verdict‘ series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…
Burnley are in advanced talks with Wolves over the possible departure of Nathan Collins, according to the Telegraph.
It is believed that a fee in the region of £20.5 million is being discussed between the two sides for the defender.
Here we ask our FLW writers their verdict on if this is a reasonable fee for the Irishman, and if he is a good fit for Bruno Lage’s side…
Toby Wilding
This is an interesting one to consider from a Burnley perspective when it comes to the fee they will be receiving for Collins.
On the one hand, that does feel like a reasonable price for the club to receive for a player who made just over 20 appearances for them, and it gives them plenty to reinvest in their squad over the rest of the transfer window.
However, it may also be frustrating for them not to get a bigger price for a player of his ability and potential at such an early stage of his career, and with so long remaining on his contract.
Even so, as a young, promising centre back with a rather physical presence about him, it does feel as though Collins is someone who could certainly fit in well at Molineux.
With that in mind, this does appear to be a rather useful piece of business from Wolves.
Simmey Hannifin-Donaldson
It's a lot of money.
Has he shown that he is worth that at this moment in time? I think you could argue no.
When you look at his numbers, he is a player that has not played more than 22 league matches in a single season.
That was obviously partly due to the injury he suffered at Stoke City, but nevertheless, the point remains.
As such, I do think this could be viewed as a slight risk from Wolves in terms of the fee, however, they are clearly paying a price for the potential of the player going forwards along with his ability now.
When you consider he is just 21-years-old and already very talented, the future looks like it could be very bright with Collins only set to get better.
As such, whilst this may look a slight overpay now, it could be viewed as a bargain in one or two seasons' time.
Furthermore, Collins has played in a back-three previously, which should make him a good fit to Bruno Lage's backline.
It will be interesting to see how he gets on at Molineux and similarly, how Vincent Kompany spends the cash.
Alfie Burns
It’s probably a fee that Burnley fans will feel could’ve been a little bit steeper.
Collins is one of the top centre-back prospects in this country and for him to be going for little over £20m is a touch disappointing.
However, you’ve got to say that Burnley will find a use for this money further down the line. Or you’d at least hope they would. £20m for a Championship side is a lot of money, regardless of whether you think Collins was worth more or not.
He’s a top prospect and Wolves will be delighted at getting him on board.
There’s a player in there comfortable within a back-four or a back-three, which will be perfect for Bruno Lage if he wants to evolve how Wolves play at all.
Importantly, though, Collins is a player with his best years ahead of him and there will be a confidence that he will be a shrewd investment at the price.