“Newcastle in Frenzied Chase for ‘Maldini Reborn’ – The Defender Set to Revolutionize Football!”

Newcastle United are reportedly eyeing a surprise move for Brentford defender Nathan Collins, with manager Eddie Howe still seeking to bolster his centre-back options after going a year without a new addition in that position.

The Magpies missed out on signing Marc Guehi last summer following his standout performances at EURO 2024.

While Dan Burn and Fabian Schar have performed admirably—contributing to the club’s League Cup success—Howe remains interested in securing a younger long-term partner for Sven Botman.

Now, Collins has emerged as a serious contender.

According to Football Insider, Newcastle scouts were in attendance to watch Collins during Brentford’s match against Ipswich Town on Saturday.

Collins played the full 90 minutes in a crucial 1-0 win that pushed the Bees into eighth place in the Premier League, putting them in contention for a Europa Conference League spot.

The 23-year-old Republic of Ireland international began his Premier League journey at Burnley in the 2021/22 season. Despite the Clarets’ relegation, Collins impressed and secured a move to Wolves.

After just one season in the West Midlands, he transferred to Brentford for a then-club-record £23 million.

Now settled in London, Collins has delivered a string of solid performances that have caught the attention of Newcastle’s recruitment team.

Dubbed the “Irish Maldini” in his homeland, Collins has steadily gained admirers across the league.

His defensive prowess and composure on the ball make him an ideal fit for Howe’s long-term vision at Newcastle.

With European football already secured for next season—and the possibility of Champions League qualification still alive—Newcastle could prove a tempting destination for the young defender.

While the Magpies’ interest in Crystal Palace’s Guehi remains unresolved and links to Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen persist, Collins has quickly climbed their list of defensive targets.

The club’s admiration for the former Stoke City academy player has reportedly grown in recent months.

As Newcastle prepare for another season competing on multiple fronts, Collins is becoming a key name in their transfer discussions.

If they decide to invest, he could be a notable arrival on Tyneside in the upcoming transfer window.