Aston Villa boss Dean Smith has revealed that James Collins is still training with the Villans, but he is currently sitting out with a knock.
The new Villa boss admitted that Villa are taking an interest in the defender, admitting that his side are in need of some defensive reinforcements.
The former West Ham defender has been training with Villa for some time now, but has yet to be signed.
Dean Smith said, via the Birmingham Mail:
James is not fit at the moment so he’s going through his rehab to get himself fit.
We’ll take it from there after that. He’ll have some rehab for seven to days then he should be ready to go and train with the first-team.
Everybody knows our lack of centre-backs so I think it is right to keep him around us.
It was Steve who brought him in here for the same reason.
We’ll keep him around us and see what fitness levels he can get to.
He’s an out-of-contract player so he’s one we can add to the squad if need be.
Collins had a previous spell with the Villans but has spent the majority of his career at West Ham.
