Burton Albion Target Permanent Deal for Coventry Keeper Brad Collins

Burton Albion are set to sign loan keeper Brad Collins as a free agent this summer, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal. 

The Brewers’ shot stopper has impressed boss Gary Bowyer since joining the club on loan from Coventry City back in August.

Collins’ contract at Coventry is up at the end of the season and the 29-year-old is deemed surplus to requirements at the Sky Blues, who are leading the Championship promotion race. 

And Albion are at the front of the queue for the player, who has made 30 appearances for the club so far this season.

Our sources understand tentative talks have been held between the Brewers’ backroom staff and the player’s representatives ahead of a potential deal at the end of the season.

It is understood Collins is happy at the club, where he has kept eight league clean sheets this term.

Burton were being sucked towards a relegation battle, but they have pushed themselves four points clear of the dreaded drop zone through a recent upturn in form which has seen them secure eight points from their last seven games.

In other news, Barnsley came close to signing Burton striker Jake Beesley on deadline day as Davis Keillor-Dunn edged towards a move to Wrexham, and their interest is expected to be reignited in the summer with Bradford City and Luton Town also monitoring the forward.

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Collins has great pedigree having come through the ranks at Chelsea's renowned youth academy.

The gloveman signed for the club at U12 level in 2010 and signed his firs professional contract at Stamford Bridge four years later.

During his first season he helped them win the UEFA Youth League and FA Youth Cup in the U18s. 

Like many youngsters who come through at the club, Collins failed to make the grade and was shipped out on loan to Forest Green Rovers and Burton before leaving the capital for Championship Barnsley in 2019.

He made over 100 league appearances for the Oakwell club and was named Player of the Year in the 2021/22 campaign despite the club being relegated.

Collins moved to Coventry in 2023, making 28 appearances in his first campaign, but fell down the pecking order and played just 15 games last term before being loaned to Burton this season.