Big Sam will attempt to sign West Ham defender

Sam Allardyce will attempt to bring James Collins to Crystal Palace over the January transfer window a source close to Croydon based club has revealed. Ginge and Big Sam are known to very close and Allardyce will use that friendship to help win over the Welsh man.

Collins has a contract until the end of next season by which time he will be almost 35 years old. The Hammers are unlikely to let the Welshman go until they have tied up a replacement for the centre back position but would not stand in his way.

Now in his second spell at West Ham after re-joining the club from Aston Villa in 2012, James Collins began his career with Cardiff City before joining the Hammers in 2005 for £3.5m.

Known as ‘Ginge’ to all at the club, Collins helped West ham to reach the 2006 FA Cup final and stave off relegation in dramatic style in 2007 before spending three years with Aston Villa between 2009 and 2012. He has made 162 appearances for the Hammers.