Signing James Collins could be Dean Smith’s first masterstroke as Aston Villa boss

Aston Villa manager Dean Smith will assess veteran centre-back James Collins and decide whether to hand him a deal or not, according to Birmingham Mail.

The former West Ham United defender has been training with the Championship since leaving the London club as a free agent, and is currently looking to reach full fitness following a hamstring problem earlier in the month.

Collins was close to getting signed while former boss Steve Bruce was still in charge, but he now has to start all over again and convince Smith, Richard O’Kelly and John Terry that he is deserving of a deal.