Manchester United are reportedly in the race to sign Leicester City defender Ben Nelson, valued at £10 million, as manager Michael Carrick looks to strengthen his squad ahead of the new season.
United's transfer activity
United have already spent over £80 million on midfield duo Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, while goalkeeper Karl Darlow joined on a free transfer from rivals Leeds United. Carrick is aiming to purchase one more midfielder, a left-sided player and a second striker, and improve squad depth as the club returns to Champions League football.
Defensive needs
Defence is an area that needs strengthening. Matthijs de Ligt is still recovering from a back injury, while Lisandro Martinez will return to Carrington late this summer after reaching the World Cup final with Argentina. Veteran Harry Maguire and youngsters Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven are the only other senior centre-back options.
To that end, United are interested in signing Ben Nelson from Leicester City, with the Daily Mail reporting that the defender has told the club he wants to leave the King Power Stadium.
Player profile
A product of Leicester's academy, the 22-year-old made 27 appearances for the Foxes last season as they suffered back-to-back relegations to League One. Nelson, an England U20 international, is also capable of playing at left-back, a position where United are short. While Luke Shaw remained fit last season, he has a poor injury record, and it does not seem that Ruben Amorim signing Patrick Dorgu is trusted to play at full-back, with Carrick utilising him in a more advanced role.
Interest from other clubs
West Ham have also shown interest in the 6ft 5in centre-back, while Torino and Borussia Monchengladbach have had offers rejected. Leicester are holding firm on their £10m valuation, which would make Nelson the third most expensive League One player in history. It remains to be seen whether that deters United from making a bid.
United kicked off their pre-season on Saturday with a friendly against Wrexham in Helsinki.
