EXCLUSIVE: Newcastle eyeing summer move for Brentford's Nathan Collins

There may be a few sore heads on Tyneside, but there'll be no hangover at Newcastle United following Sunday's Carabao Cup win at Wembley.

The club's PSR position is much improved after three windows without a major first-team signing and a few outgoings in January, creating the 'headroom' for some long-overdue investment into Eddie Howe's squad.

With that in mind, we can reveal the latest player on Newcastle's radar as we approach what promises to be a busy summer transfer window at St James' Park.

Newcastle watching Nathan Collins

Newcastle United are taking a close look at Brentford centre-back Nathan Collins, NUFC Blog can exclusively reveal.

The 23-year-old is considered one of the Premier League's most underrated defenders in some recruitment circles and Newcastle have sent scouts to watch the former Wolves and Burnley man in recent months.

A towering Republic of Ireland international who often captains his country, Collins ticks several boxes in the club's ongoing search for a right-sided centre-back and is expected to receive interest from a number of top flight sides this summer.

While Newcastle scouts have visited the Gtech Community Stadium this season to do checks on potential right-wing target Bryan Mbeumo, we can reveal that Collins has also caught the club's eye.

Why Collins ticks boxes for the Toon

A move for Collins may underwhelm some supporters after ongoing links with Bournemouth's highly-rated teenager Dean Huijsen, but there is a lot to like about the Brentford defender.

The 6ft 4' centre-half is dominant in the air at both ends of the pitch and his mobility for a man of his size goes under the radar, highlighted by his classy display against a dynamic and direct Bournemouth attack in Brentford's 2-1 win at the Vitality last Saturday.

On the ball he is reliable and comfortable stepping out, while his age, Premier League experience and leadership skills will also appeal to Eddie Howe.

Collins' availability is another underrated factor the club won't ignore. While Sven Botman has undergone two knee operations in the space of 12 months, Collins hasn't missed a minute of Brentford's 2024/25 Premier League campaign.

The majority of Newcastle's summer business could centre around recruiting overseas gems in value-for-money markets Paul Mitchell may look to exploit, but Premier League proven talents available at the right price won't be ignored, and Collins is certainly one they are considering.