Liverpool have slight advantage over Man Utd in bid to sign 24-year-old PL club captain

Liverpool’s transfer plans appear to have taken a major step forward, with reports suggesting they now hold a slight edge over Manchester United in the race to sign Brentford’s club captain, Nathan Collins. The 24-year-old central defender has been one of the most consistent performers in the Premier League, and his growing reputation has made him a hot commodity among England’s top clubs.

Collins, who has been a rock at the back for Brentford since his arrival, was handed the captain’s armband this summer following Christian Nørgaard’s departure to Arsenal. His leadership qualities, defensive resilience, and ability to marshal the backline have not gone unnoticed, and now Liverpool, Manchester United, and Tottenham are all vying for his signature.

For Liverpool, the timing could not be more crucial. Arne Slot’s side has shown flashes of brilliance in attack but continues to look vulnerable defensively, conceding far too many goals in pre-season and in their opening Premier League fixtures. Slot is eager to strengthen his defensive unit, and Collins is seen as an ideal fit — young, disciplined, and with Premier League experience under his belt.

Manchester United, meanwhile, are also in the hunt. Ruben Amorim’s tactical shift to a back-three system means United need additional depth at centre-half. However, financial constraints could hold them back, as they would likely need to offload players before committing to such a high-profile signing. With doubts lingering over Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt’s long-term roles, Collins could easily slot into the team, but United’s hesitation gives Liverpool the upper hand.

Tottenham are also monitoring the situation closely, especially since former Brentford manager Thomas Frank’s move to North London has created a natural link. A reunion with Frank may appeal to Collins, but Spurs’ pursuit may depend on how quickly they can resolve other transfer priorities. For now, Liverpool’s financial freedom and urgent defensive needs make them the frontrunners.

Collins’ potential departure, however, is a major blow for Brentford. The Bees have already endured a turbulent summer, losing key figures such as Bryan Mbeumo, Christian Nørgaard, and long-serving manager Thomas Frank. To lose their captain as well would leave them dangerously exposed, both in terms of leadership and defensive solidity. The Brentford faithful will be hoping the club can resist the pressure, but the scale of interest may prove too great.

What makes Collins so attractive to Liverpool in particular is his versatility. He is not just a traditional centre-back but also a ball-playing defender who can start attacks from deep, a quality Slot values highly in his tactical setup. Partnering Collins with Virgil van Dijk could give Liverpool a balance of experience and youth, as well as an aerially dominant defensive line capable of shutting down the league’s most dangerous forwards.

United, on the other hand, would benefit from Collins’ pace and composure — qualities they have lacked at times in recent seasons. Still, the financial hurdles cannot be ignored, and unless player sales materialize quickly, Liverpool look best positioned to strike first.

The coming weeks will be decisive. Liverpool’s willingness to spend, combined with their urgent need for defensive reinforcements, means Collins could be Anfield-bound before the transfer window closes. For Manchester United and Tottenham, it will be a case of whether they can act swiftly enough to derail the Reds’ plans.

If the move goes through, Collins would become the latest in a string of young leaders to join Liverpool’s new era under Arne Slot. His arrival could transform the defensive setup, providing the kind of stability and authority that has been missing since the decline of Joel Matip and the struggles of Ibrahima Konaté with injuries.

As it stands, Liverpool are in pole position. Brentford will fight to keep their captain, but the Premier League transfer market waits for no one. The story of Nathan Collins’ next chapter could define not only his career but also the balance of power between England’s biggest clubs t