Manchester United are preparing for another massive summer as they look to strengthen the squad ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.
Although the transfer window does not officially open for another two weeks, recruitment planning at Old Trafford is already moving at full speed.
According to the Daily Mail, Leicester City defender Ben Nelson has drawn the attention of Man United.
The 22-year-old is naturally a centre-back but can also play at left-back.
His progress is also being closely watched by Manchester City and Chelsea.
Strengthening midfield is the clear priority, but INEOS could still look to recruit a defender before revamping the department in the summer of 2027.
Nelson could be a decent signing
Standing at an imposing 6ft 5in, Nelson immediately offers the kind of physical presence that every Premier League side craves in defence.
His current deal with the Foxes expires in June 2027.
He made 22 starts for his side during the recently concluded season and averaged 12 defensive contributions per 90 minutes.
Leicester are now entering a worrying period after suffering relegation and dropping into League One next season.
Under those circumstances, convincing their most talented players to remain at the club could become an almost impossible task.
United already possess significant depth at centre-back with Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Matthijs de Ligt, Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven all competing for places.
In truth, having a talent like Heaven as the fifth-choice centre-back almost feels like a luxury few clubs in Europe can match.
However, the recurring injury problems suffered by De Ligt, Martinez and Maguire continue to raise concerns behind the scenes.
Signing Nelson or any other back-up defender is a sensible call, but the focus should first be on signing midfielders and a new left-back.
Stats from Fotmob.com