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Manchester United, Liverpool, and Tottenham are all keeping tabs on Brentford skipper Nathan Collins.
The Irish defender was handed the captain’s armband earlier this month and marked the occasion in style, scoring the winner in a preseason friendly against local rivals QPR. Despite the growing interest, a transfer appears unlikely for now, with Brentford unwilling to part ways with the Republic of Ireland international following a summer that already saw two key departures.
Collins only joined Brentford in 2023 from Wolves in a club-record $31 million deal, signing a six-year contract. But his rise to captaincy, succeeding the outgoing Christian Norgaard, who joined Arsenal, has not gone unnoticed.
New Bees boss and fellow countryman Keith Andrews has hailed Collins as "a natural leader." Brentford was beaten 3-1 by Nottingham Forest on Sunday.
United remains interested in strengthening its defense, having already raided the Bees for Bryan Mbeumo in a $85 million deal. However, any further arrivals at Old Trafford are expected to hinge on player departures.
Tottenham is also exploring defensive options, with new boss Thomas Frank — who left Brentford for Spurs this summer — an admirer of Collins, though his respect for his former club may temper any move.
Liverpool’s need for reinforcements at the back was highlighted in their shaky 4-2 win over Bournemouth on the opening day at Anfield.
Collins, who became Stoke’s youngest-ever captain at just 18, has gone on to earn 30 caps for the Republic of Ireland and started in Brentford’s Premier League opener at Nottingham Forest.
New manager Andrews has earmarked the 23-year-old as a central figure in his plans this season.
The Bees remain confident that the 24-year-old is committed to the club. Collins’ commanding presence, composure, and proven Premier League experience have caught the eye of Liverpool’s recruitment staff, who are weighing up defensive options.
Although he is admired at Anfield, interest is understood to be tentative, with no formal approach made. Collins still has four years left on his contract and has given no indication of seeking a move, while Brentford remains firm in its stance that he is not for sale.
Sources close to the situation describe it as straightforward — a transfer is highly unlikely this summer.
The 23-year-old featured 33 times across all competitions last season, earning recognition for his aerial dominance, positional discipline, and leadership qualities.
While United, Spurs, and Liverpool’s monitoring highlights his growing reputation, a move would only be considered if circumstances were to change dramatically.
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