Duo chasing Collins

Skysports.com understands Queens Park Rangers and Sunderland are battling it out for Aston Villa defender James Collins.

Warnock & O'Neill keen on Villa defender

Skysports.com understands Queens Park Rangers and Sunderland are battling it out for Aston Villa defender James Collins. Rangers and Sunderland are both keen to bolster their defensive options in this month's transfer window and have targeted a move for Wales international Collins. Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill is a big fan of Collins having signed him during his time in charge of Villa and is thought to be keen on reuniting with the former West Ham stopper. Rangers chief Neil Warnock has made a new central defender one of his top priorities and he has believed to have made enquiries about Collins' possible availability. Collins' future at Villa has been the subject of speculation with the 28-year-old entering the final 18 months of his contract and as yet has failed to agree a new deal. Villa would be reluctant to lose Collins, but could be persuaded to cash in on the centre-half to raise funds for Alex McLeish's own transfer plans.