James Collins fears West Ham transfer exit but would be ‘devastated’ to go

James Collins admits he would be “devastated” if he had to leave West Ham but fears he may have to if there is no imminent progress on a new contract.

The club’s long-serving defender is in the final year of his deal and says he has yet to be offered new terms so far this month.

Brighton are considering a £2.5million bid for the 34-year-old, who has amassed more than 100 appearances for West Ham since joining the club in 2012.

Former Wales international Collins, who is a big favourite with the West Ham supporters, gave a solid display in the 1-1 draw against Bournemouth. He said: “Nothing has been said to me. I don’t know if it’s [talks of a new deal] on the back burner. If nothing happens in January, I could be left in the lurch come the end of the season.

“It’s a situation I would like to get sorted as soon as possible because I don’t like to go into training thinking about it all the time. As far as I’m concerned, I’m still playing as well as ever.

“I would be devastated if I had to go. I did it once before when I went to Aston Villa and it ‘killed’ me.

“If it comes to the worst, though, I’d probably have to go because, at my age, I need to play football.

“I’d be bitterly disappointed to have to leave this club because it’s a massive part of my life. I know I am 34 and picked up too many little injuries this season but I feel I’m playing better than ever I have.

“When I’m out there I play my heart out and give my all, as I’ve done for the past 10 years.”

Javier Hernandez, who came on as a second-half substitute for hamstring victim Manuel Lanzini, scored West Ham’s equaliser moments after Ryan Fraser had given Bournemouth the lead.

Collins said: “It was massive to equalise straight after their goal and I was delighted for Chicharito. He hasn’t played as much as he’d have liked over the last few weeks so for him to get a goal was great.”