Irons open up on defender rumours

West Ham have had no approaches from Sunderland for central defender James Collins.

Reports have been circulating for weeks in the national and, latterly, local Mackems media claiming that the central defender could be on his way in the January window.

But a top Hammers source has revealed to ClaretandHugh: “There have been no approaches although these things normally happen nearer the end of January so nothing is ruled out.”

The Hammers would do business on the basis of a possible permanent switch at a small fee as, at 33 next August, it’s almost a given that no further Irons deal will be on the cards.

As we reported last night the club has Reece Burke available and can end his loan deal at Bradford City quickly should they need to and Doneil Henry is also on the books – out on loan at Blackburn Rovers.

However, Burke would be the first choice to come into the squad as Ginge’s cover.