Exclusive: Derby County's Curtis Nelson Undergoing MK Dons Medical

MK Dons have won the race to sign Derby County defender Curtis Nelson, with the 32-year-old currently undergoing a medical ahead of a permanent transfer this January window[1][2].

Sources close to the deal confirm that League Two promotion hopefuls MK Dons have stolen a march on rivals including Plymouth, Mansfield, and Burton, positioning themselves as frontrunners in the chase for the out-of-contract centre-back[1][2]. Nelson, who is low in John Eustace's pecking order at Pride Park, has attracted widespread EFL interest due to his experience and proven quality[1][2].

The move reunites Nelson with Paul Warne, his former Derby boss now at the helm of MK Dons. Warne, a big admirer, regularly featured Nelson during Derby's League One promotion campaign in 2023/24, where the defender played every minute and helped secure 22 clean sheets in 46 games[1][2]. Nelson was voted Derby's Jack Stamps Player of the Season that year, underscoring his popularity and impact[1].

Despite a serious knee injury sidelining him earlier, Nelson has shown promise, including a strong substitute appearance against Birmingham City. However, with new arrivals embedding under Eustace, reclaiming a starting spot has proven tough, making an exit beneficial for all parties[2]. His Championship stats highlight elite defending: 1.41 tackles, 1.04 interceptions, and 2.96 recoveries per match, plus offensive contributions of 0.67 shots and 0.07 goals per game[1].

Previously with Blackpool before joining Derby, Nelson's versatility and leadership make him a coup for MK Dons, who face his old club Oxford United in the FA Cup this Friday. The deal is expected to be finalized swiftly to bolster their promotion push[1].

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