Wolves make Collins most-expensive Irish player ever

Wolves have confirmed the signing of central defender Nathan Collins from Burnley for a reported fee of £20.5million.

Collins, who made 19 Premier League appearances as Burnley suffered relegation to the Championship last term, has signed a five-year contract with the option of a further 12 months at Molineux.

The 21-year-old, who has won six caps for the Republic of Ireland, has become the most expensive player in Irish history by completing his switch.

The fee paid by Bruno Lage's men eclipses the reported £19m Liverpool paid Tottenham for Robbie Keane in 2008, as Wolves look to build on last season's 10th-placed Premier League finish.

Technical director Scott Sellars told the club's website: "We're getting someone who is physically very good, very tall, very athletic, and is very comfortable on the ball – he can step in and take the ball forward, which is what we need. 

"He's very good in both boxes and has real aerial strength. The feedback on his personality is about his leadership qualities, he's a good character, so he ticks all the boxes."

Collins is expected to compete with Conor Coady, Max Kilman and Willy Boly for a starting spot at Molineux, after Wolves lost fellow defender Romain Saiss on a free transfer to Besiktas.