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Newcastle United have joined the race to sign Leicester City defender Ben Nelson this summer, according to Football Insider.
The Lowdown: Nelson profiled
The centre-back has worked his way up through the ranks with the Foxes over the years, having started out in the U18s before making the step up to the U23s, finally taking the huge leap for his first-team debut two years ago in the Premier League club’s UEFA Europa League 3-2 victory against Spanish side Villarreal at the King Power, as per the Foxes’ official website.
The 18-year-old has emerged as one of the Midlands outfit’s brightest young talents, and despite his age, his performances have earned him a call up to the England U18s squad, where he is set to feature for the Three Lions in their four-nation tournament in Zagreb next week.
The Latest: Magpies keeping tabs on Nelson
Football Insider shared news in the last 48 hours claiming that the Magpies are ‘keeping tabs’ on Nelson with a ‘view’ to a summer deal, but are set to face stiff competition for his signature from fellow top-flight giants Manchester City and Manchester United.
The outlet further state that a recruitment source believes that Eddie Howe’s side, along with their transfer rivals, are ‘sending scouts’ to watch the future prospect in action for England, and that Leicester are ‘braced for offers’ for the teenager as they take on a huge battle to try and keep hold of their man.
The Verdict: One for the future
The Northampton-born starlet signed his first professional contract with Brendan Rodgers’ side back in February and has majorly impressed with the club’s U23s, having made 18 appearances for the Foxes in Premier League 2 this season, netting one goal during that time, as per Transfermarkt.
The colossus was even voted Leicester’s 2020/21 Academy Player of the Season, so it’s no wonder that there are multiple potential suitors out there that are interested in securing his services.
Should Newcastle sign Nelson?
Yes
No
Even though he’s still only 18, if Newcastle were to sign Nelson, whether this be on a temporary or permanent basis, he has bags of potential to give and would be one for the future who has the ability to develop into a first-team talent in the coming years.
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