Burnley signing this £10m Stoke starlet with potential would be a great long-term move by Dyche

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Why Burnley signing Nathan Collins would be a real coup

According to Lancashire Live, Burnley are weighing up a move for teenage Stoke City defender Nathan Collins as Sean Dyche bids to strengthen his squad before the January deadline.

Premier League rivals Arsenal have also been linked with the 19-year-old, who has been among the standout performers for the Potters this season. Collins, who is rated at £10million by Stoke City, also attracted interest from Man United earlier in his career. (h/t Lancashire Live)

STOKE ON TRENT, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 05: Nathan Collins of Stoke City scores his sides first goal during the Sky Bet Championship match between Stoke City and Middlesbrough at Bet365 Stadium on December 05, 2020, in Stoke on Trent, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

Collins’ rise to prominence at Stoke

Nathan Collins started his development at Cherry Orchard in Ireland before being snapped up by Stoke City in 2016. After impressing for the club’s U-23 side, the centre-back made his first-team debut in the Championship against Swansea City during the 2018-19 season. 

The teenager managed only three appearances in his debut campaign but went on to establish himself in a more prominent role last term. He featured 17 times in all competitions. Collins has gone from strength to strength to nail down a regular spot at the back this season. 

The 19-year-old has started 16 out of a possible 26 Championship fixtures for the Potters so far this term while featuring as a substitute on three occasions. Collins has contributed with 2 goals and an assist, featuring both as a centre-back and a right-back. 

STOKE ON TRENT, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 24: Nathan Collins of Stoke City and Jacob Sorensen of Norwich City during the Sky Bet Championship match between Stoke City and Norwich City at Bet365 Stadium on November 24, 2020, in Stoke on Trent, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

Burnley need to reshape their backline

James Tarkowski’s long-term future at Turf Moor remains up in the air. His contract is due to expire in 2022 and he has so far not put pen to paper on fresh terms.

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With Kevin Long and Jimmy Dunne both out of contract in the summer and Ben Mee, 31, also into the last 18 months of his existing deal, Burnley need to start considering some younger alternatives in the market.

Dyche also has a few pressing concerns in the right-back department, with Matthew Lowton (31) and Phil Bardsley (35) both set to become free agents at the end of the season. With so many ageing legs at the back, it goes without saying that the Clarets need to freshen things up with an eye on the future.

HIGH WYCOMBE, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 02: Nathan Collins of Stoke City breaks past Alex Samuel of Wycombe Wanderers during the Sky Bet Championship match between Wycombe Wanderers and Stoke City at Adams Park on December 02, 2020, in High Wycombe, England. (Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images)

Collins an ideal long-term investment?

Nathan Collins fits the bill as a promising young centre-back with potential. The Republic of Ireland U-21 international has mastered the art of playing week in week out in the Championship and looks to have all the necessary attributes to make a gradual transition to the top-flight.

The 19-year-old might not be the finished article capable of walking straight into Burnley’s starting XI but he represents a long-term option for sure. Collins still has plenty of room for development. 

Source: Getty Images

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Burnely have an excellent track record when it comes to getting the best out of young homegrown talents. The rise of Dwight McNeil and Josh Brownhill at Turf Moor in recent seasons should be enough to substantiate those claims.

Nathan Collins looks like an exciting youngster in a similar mould and one who would improve their backline in the future.

Sayan Chatterjee

A Premier League enthusiast and an avid follower of the beautiful game.

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