---
title: "Villa considering deal to sign James Collins"
canonical: "https://readastonvilla.com/2018/09/20/villa-considering-deal-to-sign-james-collins/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Luke Osman"
section: "Aston Villa News"
published: "2018-09-20T16:27:37Z"
modified: "2018-09-20T16:27:37Z"
---

# Villa considering deal to sign James Collins

Aston Villa are believed to have invited former West Ham star James Collins to train with them ahead of a possible free transfer.

According to a report from the [Telegraph](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2018/09/20/james-collins-joins-aston-villa-training-option-join-steve-bruces/), Villa boss Steve Bruce remains intent on adding further quality and experience to his defensive options following the loss of John Terry in the summer.

Collins was a well-loved figure at West Ham but saw his contract reach its expiration date at the end of last season, leaving him without a club. The defender also spent time at Villa Park between 2009 and 2012.

![Shaun Botterill/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readastonvilla.com/readastonvilla/2018/09/897093322.jpg)

Villa’s fellow Championship outfit Ipswich Town were keen to recruit Collins but no move materialised. Bruce, however, has held talks with the Welshman ahead of a potential transfer to Villa Park.

The 35-year-old is actively looking to find a new club where he can play regular first-team football, with Villa evidently willing to offer him the chance to impress on a short-term basis.

If Collins opts to train with the Championship promotion hopefuls and proves his fitness, a free transfer would certainly be a possibility as Bruce continues to prepare his side for the rest of the season.