Wolves in talks to sign Burnley's high-rated Irish defender Nathan Collins for £20.5m

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Nathan Collins is set to join Wolves for £20.5m just one year after Burnley move
The deal would represent the highest-ever transfer fee paid for an Irish player
Collins could become Wolves' first signing of what has been a low-key summer

By CRAIG HOPE FOR THE DAILY MAIL and LEE DAVEY FOR MAILONLINE

Published: 19:57 EDT, 11 July 2022 | Updated: 20:03 EDT, 11 July 2022

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Wolves are closing in on a £20.5m deal for Burnley centre back Nathan Collins. It would be the highest fee ever paid for an Irish player.

Collins only signed for the Clarets last summer after Stoke accepted a £12million offer for the versatile defender.

The 21-year-old has earned six caps for the Republic of Ireland, scoring once, after making his debut as a substitute against Qatar last October.

Republic of Ireland international Nathan Collins only signed for Burnley last summer from Stoke

Collins made his international debut last October in a friendly against World Cup hosts Qatar

The Irishman started out at Dublin-based club Cherry Orchard before making the switch to Stoke City in 2016.

Collins is a centre-back by trade but can be deployed as a right-back in what could be a pivotal move for Wolves, who are looking to bolster their squad ahead of the new season.

Manager Bruno Lage is yet to bring in any new additions this summer but Collins looks set to change that should the Portuguese manager get the move over the line.

Collins performed admirably in his first and only season in the Premier League and despite the Clarets suffering relegation on the final day of the season, Collins was able to look back on his season with pride.

Despite only making 19 appearances last season Collins found the next twice for Burnley

He made 19 top-flight appearances last term and notched two goals in the process against Everton and Southampton.

Wolves will be hoping for a little more luck in the seven weeks that remain in the transfer window after missing out on Sporting Lisbon's Joao Palhinha to Fulham.

Lage's side open their Premier League account against Leeds at Elland Road on August 6.