Aston Villa boss Steve Bruce has dropped his interest in free agent James Collins.

The Daily Star says Villa's wait to sign free agent Collins is dragging on - with the player still on trial at Championship rivals Ipswich.

Villa have been linked with experienced centre-back Collins, who left West Ham at the end of last season.

The 35-year-old is yet to find a new club and Steve Bruce is keen after appearing to lose out on John Terry to Spartak Moscow.

Terry's impending move to Russia rather than back to Villa Park has left the Midlands side short of options in the centre of defence.

And Collins could be the man to plug the gap.