Graham Turner to be patient over James Collins deal

Shrewsbury Town boss Graham Turner is set to play a patient game in his quest to convince striker James Collins to remain the Greenhous Meadow.

The 16-goal former Aston Villa hitman is currently away on international duty with Ireland Under-21s.

And Turner plans to wait for his return next week before re-opening negotiations with the out-of-contract frontman, who featured as a substitute against Denmark on Monday and has a further clash with Italy on Monday.

“The best thing to do with James is to leave him to play these games for Ireland,” said the Town boss.

“They have a European qualifying game on Monday which is a big game for the Republic of Ireland.

“I wasn’t able to get hold of him in the week before he went out there, so as soon as he comes back I hope to get something sorted out with him.”

After seeing Ian Sharps, Shane Cansdell-Sherriff and Nicky Wroe reject contracts to move on to pastures new, Turner will be anxious to secure the services of his top frontman.

Watford, Coventry and Sheffield United are thought to be potential suitors of the striker.

Turner has had further negotiations with Chris Neal and remains hopeful a deal can be struck for the former Preston goalkeeper.

The Town boss remains close to unveiling a new defender with former Aberdeen defender Rory McArdle, who is understood to be attracting interest from Bradford and Southend, and Aldershot stopper Darren Jones among the possible targets for Turner’s League One new-boys.

See also: