Old boss considers Collins swoop

Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill is reportedly hoping to prise James Collins away from former club Aston Villa this summer.

Villa are closing in on the capture of Dutch defender Ron Vlaar and should boss Paul Lambert secures the Feyenoord central defender's services, Collins could be surplus to requirements. That has alerted O'Neill, who remains a fan of the Welshman after he originally signed him when he was in charge at Villa Park. The Black Cats boss has already raided his old club once this summer - landing Carlos Cuellar, who was out of contract, and now he is ready to make an offer for Collins as Lambert continues to restructure the Villa squad. It is thought Collins would cost around £5million although Sunderland could face competition from Newcastle and the defender's old club, West Ham, if he is allowed to leave Villa.