Exclusive: MK Dons in pole position to beat Plymouth, Mansfield and Burton to signing Derby’s Curtis Nelson
MK Dons are leading the hunt to sign Derby County defender Curtis Nelson this month, sources have told Football Insider.
The 32-year-old, who is out of contract at the end of the season, is down the pecking order in John Eustace’s plans at Pride Park.
A host of EFL clubs, including Plymouth, Mansfield and Burton have shown an interest in Nelson in this month’s transfer window.
But League Two hopefuls MK Dons are keen to steal a march on their rivals to land the centre-back.
MK Dons boss Paul Warne is a big fan of Nelson having worked with him during his time in charge of Derby.
Your votes have crowned Curtis Nelson our 2023/24 Jack Stamps Player of the Season! 🖤🤍#DCFC pic.twitter.com/nzyVm8tmBX
— Derby County (@dcfcofficial) April 23, 2024
Curtis Nelson is a highly experienced EFL defender
Over the years, Nelson has established himself as one of the EFL’s most experienced defenders.
To date, he has made over 500 league appearances, with many of these coming in the Championship.
Last season, the centre-back made 30 appearances in all competitions as he helped Derby stay in the second tier under the guidance of Eustace.
Previously, Nelson had played for Blackpool, but was unable to prevent their eventual relegation to League One.
Curtis Nelson’s unstoppable header. 😍
— Derby County (@dcfcofficial) October 23, 2025
🔜 QPR (H) pic.twitter.com/Dye6o7KCGc
Now, with MK Dons set to take on Nelson’s old club, Oxford United, in the FA Cup on Friday, they will be hoping to quickly wrap the deal up before another side swoops in.
How good is Nelson?
Based on his Championship stats from last season, Nelson is extremely good in multiple defensive areas.
According to Fotmob on 9 January, the Derby defender was performing 1.41 tackles, 1.04 interceptions and 2.96 recoveries per match.
On top of this, he was also efficient in front of goal, averaging 0.67 shots and 0.07 goals a game.
| Curtis Nelson’s Championship stats last season | Per 90 minutes |
| Goals | 0.07 |
| Shots | 0.67 |
| Tackles | 1.41 |
| Interceptions | 1.04 |
| Recoveries | 2.96 |
| Fouls committed | 1.11 |
| Dribbled past | 0.37 |
Therefore, if he were to make the drop all the way down to League Two, he would likely dominate.
As a result, MK Dons will be keen to complete the deal as soon as possible to strengthen their promotion ambitions.