Derby County have been linked with a transfer deadline day move for Leicester City defender Ben Nelson, so here’s everything you need to know about him.
The Rams are set for a busy end to their summer business as Paul Warne looks to bolster his squad in two key areas.
The forward options are one of those as the Derby boss looks for a striker who can offer something different at Pride Park.
While a number nine is a clear priority, so too is a centre-back in the final hours of the transfer window.
Leeds United defender Liam Cooper has been linked with a move to Derby in a potential shock twist late in the market.
Then there’s Leicester City youngster Ben Nelson who has also been linked with Derby in a potential loan switch.
The Rams aren’t the only Championship team looking at landing the 20-year-old centre-back though, with plenty of competition out there.
So with that said, here’s a look at everything you need to know about Derby County transfer target Ben Nelson.
- READ MORE: Derby County confirmed signings, transfer ins and outs, loans and releases for 2024 summer window
Who is Ben Nelson?
Ben Nelson is a professional footballer who currently plays for Leicester City, having come through the side’s youth ranks.
Ben Nelson age and height
Nelson was born on March 18, 2004, which makes him 20 years old at the time of writing and at the start of his career.
The youngster is approximately 1.93 metres in height – which is roughly six foot and three inches tall – making him an imposing figure in defence.
Ben Nelson position
Nelson is a defender who can play as a centre-back on either the left or right side, having featured there throughout his career so far.
The 20-year-old is predominantly right-footed, but he is capable of passing out from the back on either side.
Career path
In his short career so far, Nelson has already been handed some senior appearances throughout different divisions.
The defender has come through the Leicester City academy system but spent the first half of 2022/23 on loan at Rochdale before spending the second half on loan at Doncaster.
Enzo Maresca praise for Ben Nelson
Former Leicester City boss Enzo Maresca was full of praise for Nelson when he was handed a Championship debut for the eventual champions last season.
“He’s quick. He can play right or left, it’s perfect,” the manager said in February.
There were points for improvement though, as he added: “The only thing that he needs to improve and understand more is that he is a bit shy on the ball.
“Against Birmingham, he could play forward many times. We showed him after the game, the day after, many clips of when he can play forward, but he’s young and sometimes, they prefer to play it easy and safe.”
It underlines the potential there, but also the reason why a loan switch may be preferred for the Foxes this summer.
Nelson’s career stats so far
| Club | Appearances |
| Leicester City | 9 |
| Rochdale | 12 |
| Doncaster Rovers | 15 |
Ben Nelson transfer saga
Recent reports have stated that Derby are eyeing a loan deal for Leicester defender Ben Nelson on transfer deadline day.
The Rams aren’t alone in their interest though, as Championship rivals Swansea City and Portsmouth are also in the mix.
It remains to be seen whether a deal could get over the line before the deadline passes.