Source: Team_Talk
Villa set to seal deal for Collins
The Wales international looks set to join Manchester City centre-back Richard Dunne in making the switch to Villa.
Stoke City were also in the hunt to sign Collins who has won 28 caps for his country.
Collins began has career with Cardiff, making his debut nine years ago and he made 86 appearances for the Bluebirds before moving to Upton Park in 2005 along with his team-mate Danny Gabbidon in a £3.5 million joint deal.
The 26-year-old formed an effective partnership with Anton Ferdinand in helping the Hammers avoid relegation defy the odds to avoid relegation during the 2006-2007 campaign.
Collins was forced onto the side-lines for nine months when he suffered a knee ligament injury in January 2008 before returning to first team action.
Republic of Ireland international Dunne is poised to end his nine year spell at City in a £6 million deal.
Dunne's days at Eastlands appeared numbered after the arrival of Kolo Toure from Arsenal and then Joleon Lescott from Everton.
Villa boss Martin O'Neill is desperate to sign experienced defenders after the retirement of skipper Martin Laursen and the sale of Zat Knight to Bolton.
