Man United and Tottenham join Liverpool in race for Brentford captain Nathan Collins

Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly eyeing a move for Brentford defender Nathan Collins, joining Liverpool in the hunt for the newly-appointed Bees captain, according to the Daily Mail.

Both United and Spurs have prioritised attacking signings this summer — United adding Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko, while Spurs landed Mohammed Kudus as their marquee arrival. But with defensive gaps still to address, Collins has emerged as a shared target.

Brentford Reluctant to Sell Their New Captain

The 24-year-old only became Brentford captain following Christian Norgaard’s exit, a sign of his growing stature within the squad. Collins has impressed with his commanding presence at the back and ability to read the game, making him a valuable asset for Thomas Frank’s side.

However, with the Bees already losing key players including Mbeumo, Norgaard, and goalkeeper Mark Flekken — and Yoane Wissa also pushing for a move — Brentford are understandably reluctant to sanction another major departure.

Why United and Spurs Want Collins

Ruben Amorim has relied on a 3-4-2-1 setup at Old Trafford and, despite boasting options like Lisandro Martinez, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw and new arrival Matthijs de Ligt, United’s defensive injuries in recent years underline the need for extra cover.

Tottenham, meanwhile, are keen to avoid a repeat of last season when Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven both suffered long-term absences. While Kevin Danso has impressed since arriving from Lens and Radu Dragusin offers depth, Ange Postecoglou is still seeking greater stability at the back.

A Difficult Deal to Complete

While Collins would be a strong addition for either club, Brentford’s position — combined with the defender’s acceptance of the captaincy — makes a transfer complicated. Having only just been handed the armband, the Republic of Ireland international may feel it is too soon to push for an exit.

Unless a huge offer arrives before the transfer deadline, it appears likely Collins will remain in West London for at least another season, continuing to lead a Brentford side already facing a transitional summer.