West Ham United are set to part ways with veteran defender James Collins after talks over a new deal has stalled with the club. Some sources are claiming that the centre-back will soon be open to discuss terms with other clubs when the transfer window opens next month. The Hammers and the Welsh defender are yet to open any negotiations over a contract extension with his current deal with the club set to expire at the end of the season. Collins has spent 10 years at the East London club and it is believed that he is open to discussing terms over a new deal if given the chance.
His current situation will be monitored by a whole host of Premier League and Championship clubs with Everton having shown interest in securing his services last summer. The 34-year-old centre-back quit his international career so that he can solely focus on his club career to try and prolong his time in club football. The player is known as ‘Ginge’ at the club and is one of the fan favourites. Collins has been with West Ham since his move from Aston Villa in the summer of 2012 and has also spent four years with the London club earlier on in his career.
The stalwart defender has started in each of the Hammers’ previous two Premier League games against Stoke City and Arsenal ahead of their clash versus Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Boxing Day.
West Ham United are currently languishing in the Premier League and find themselves in 17th place, just a point above the drop zone with a relegation six-pointer coming up against the Cherries on Monday. They are in dire need to pick up three points on Boxing Day or else risk getting caught on the relegation dogfight in the second half of the season. Even if they are to fight for their Premier League lives this season, there’s no one better to rely on than the stalwart defender, James Collins.
He will definitely give his all in the quest to save the Hammers from a potential relegation. However, the former Welsh international is coming to the twilight of his career and might not be able to perform at the highest level. A move to the Championship in the near future might suit his game better before he hangs up his boots in the next few years.
It remains to be seen whether David Moyes decides to extend his contract beyond the summer. His experience might prove useful with the defender notching up over 200 appearances during his time in East London.
