Report: Tottenham now eyeing ‘shock’ move to sign another Premier League star alongside Eze and Savinho
Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly eyeing a surprise summer swoop for Brentford captain Nathan Collins, according to MailOnline journalist Mike Keegan. The North London side have set their sights on the Republic of Ireland international as they look to bolster their defensive ranks, while also handing new manager Thomas Frank the chance to reunite with one of his former stalwarts.
Collins, only 24, has quickly established himself as one of the Premier League’s most reliable centre-backs. After joining Brentford from Wolves in 2023, he impressed immediately, showing composure, leadership, and consistency well beyond his years. His efforts were rewarded earlier this summer when he was entrusted with the captain’s armband — a sign of the faith the Bees place in his leadership qualities.
A Difficult Deal for Spurs
Despite Tottenham’s keen interest, prising Collins away from Brentford will be no easy task. The Bees have already endured a turbulent summer, with key players such as Bryan Mbeumo, Christian Norgaard, and goalkeeper Mark Flekken all departing. To further complicate matters, Newcastle United are pushing hard to sign Yoane Wissa, which could add another hole for Brentford to fill before the transfer window closes.
With so many exits already confirmed, Brentford are said to be highly reluctant to sell Collins, especially given that he has just been made club captain. The Irishman also remains under a long-term contract until the summer of 2028, placing the Bees in a very strong negotiating position.
That reality could make Tottenham’s pursuit an uphill battle, but it has not deterred Frank, who knows Collins well from their time together at the Gtech Community Stadium. For Spurs’ new head coach, reuniting with his former defensive general would represent both familiarity and stability in a backline that has lacked both in recent years.
Competition from Premier League Rivals
Adding further intrigue, both Manchester United and Liverpool are believed to be monitoring Collins as well. United are still reshaping their defensive core under Erik ten Hag, while Liverpool have been considering long-term replacements for stalwarts like Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip. However, like Tottenham, they would face a difficult negotiation given Brentford’s current stance.
Collins’ Reliability and Importance
Part of Collins’ growing reputation stems from his remarkable durability. Last season, he was the only outfield player in the Premier League to play every single minute of his team’s campaign, featuring in all 38 matches. That level of fitness and consistency makes him an especially valuable asset for Brentford — and an appealing target for Spurs, who have struggled with injuries and depth in central defence over recent campaigns.
New Brentford boss Keith Andrews, who stepped in after Frank’s departure to Tottenham, has already marked Collins as a cornerstone of his plans, particularly following the sale of former captain Norgaard to Arsenal for £15 million earlier this summer. Losing Collins now would be nothing short of a nightmare scenario for the West London side.
Spurs’ Busy End to the Transfer Window
Tottenham’s interest in Collins comes amid what promises to be a hectic final fortnight of the transfer window. The Lilywhites are not only seeking defensive reinforcements but also attacking firepower following a double blow in the forward line.
Club captain Son Heung-min shocked supporters earlier this summer by sealing a move to Los Angeles FC, leaving Spurs without one of their most influential figures. To make matters worse, playmaker James Maddison suffered an ACL injury in pre-season and is expected to be sidelined for six to seven months. He joins Dejan Kulusevski, another long-term absentee, on the treatment table.
As a result, Tottenham are actively pursuing Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze and Manchester City winger Savinho, hoping to inject creativity and spark into their attack. But strengthening the defence remains just as crucial, with Collins now emerging as a priority target for Frank and chairman Daniel Levy.
Whether Tottenham can pull off what would be a sensational coup remains to be seen. Brentford’s reluctance to part ways with their newly appointed captain makes negotiations extremely complicated. Still, with Spurs in need of a dependable defensive leader and Frank eager to bring in a familiar face, this could develop into one of the most fascinating storylines of the final days of the transfer window.