There is no release clause in Nathan Collins' Burnley contract and Wolves will need to meet the Clarets' valuation for a deal to be done, according to journalist Alan Nixon. 

Reports emerged yesterday indicating that the two clubs were in advanced talks over a transfer worth £20.5 million for the 21-year-old centre-back and that he could move this week if negotiations were to progress.

There have been suggestions that Wolves are able to trigger a release clause in order to prize the Republic of Ireland international away from Turf Moor.

However, Nixon has claimed that there is no such clause in Collins' contract and that the Molineux outfit will have to meet Burnley's valuation of the defender if they want to win the race for him.

The North West club paid £12 million to sign the centre-back, who penned a contract at Turf Moor that expires in 2025 (with a further one-year option), from Stoke City last summer and he did not look out of place when he got his chance in the Premier League – though he was part of the side that were eventually relegated back to the Championship.

The Verdict

There have been contrasting reports circling but, according to Nixon, there is not a release clause in Collins' contract and Wolves will have to meet their valuation if they want to sign him, which could prove a potential spanner in the works.

You can understand why the Premier League club are keen as the 21-year-old showed plenty of promise last season and will no doubt be desperate to get back to the top flight himself.

Vincent Kompany's squad would benefit from keeping the Irishman but cashing in would by no means be the end of the world.

Taylor Harwood-Bellis showed his quality at Championship level last term, CJ Egan Riley looks like an exciting 19-year-old, there is plenty to like about summer arrival Luke McNally, and Kevin Long offers experience.

Burnley will feel they can stand strong in negotiations as either outcome works for them.