Source: SKY_Sports
Villa close on Collins
Aston Villa are closing on the capture of West Ham's Wales international defender James Collins in a £5million deal.
The 26-year-old, who has started all three of the Hammers' league matches this season, has been at Villa's Bodymoor Heath training ground, and is now undergoing a medical and finalising personal terms.
Villa boss Martin O'Neill is keen to bolster his central defensive options following Martin Laursen's retirement and Zat Knight's sale to Bolton.
Collins began has career with Cardiff, making 86 appearances for the Bluebirds before moving to Upton Park in 2005 along with his team-mate Danny Gabbidon in a £3.5million joint deal.
The 26-year-old formed an effective partnership with Anton Ferdinand in helping the Hammers to defy the odds to avoid relegation during the 2006/07 campaign.
Collins was forced onto the sidelines for nine months when he suffered a knee ligament injury in January 2008 before returning
to first-team action.
It could be a busy day for O'Neill with Collins possibly joining Manchester City's Richard Dunne in making the move to Villa Park.
