Manchester United monitor Leicester City’s Ben Nelson amid transfer stalemate
Leicester City demand £10 million for the 22-year-old, a valuation that has deterred other European suitors while Manchester United focus on midfield reinforcements.
Manchester United are monitoring Leicester City defender Ben Nelson following reports that the player has formally informed the club of his desire to leave. The interest from the English giants comes as Leicester City seek to offload the 22-year-old left-sided centre-back, who has 12 months remaining on his current contract.
Leicester City have set a £10 million asking price for Nelson, a valuation that has reportedly discouraged several interested parties. The fee is considered high for a player with only one year left on his deal, a factor that has reportedly deterred suitors including Serie A side Torino, Bundesliga outfit Borussia Monchengladbach, and newly relegated West Ham United.
Both Torino and Borussia Monchengladbach had previously submitted offers for the defender, only to have them rejected by Leicester. Nelson, who stands at 6ft 5in and is capable of playing at left-back, made 27 appearances for Leicester last season, registering two goal contributions. He also holds six caps for the England U20 side.
Despite the interest, a new central defender is not currently viewed as a priority for Manchester United’s summer transfer window. In April, United handed veteran Harry Maguire a one-year contract extension to prevent him from leaving as a free agent. Consequently, the club’s primary budget focus is directed towards a midfield overhaul rather than defensive reinforcements.
While the Nelson situation remains under observation, Manchester United are also engaged in separate discussions regarding other targets. According to reports from The Peoples Person, the club is involved in club-to-club talks concerning Tottenham Hotspur winger Tynan Thompson, an 18-year-old left-winger who has yet to make his first-team debut.
