West Ham to 'take advantage' and get Ben Nelson for 'cut-price' fee

West Ham United could back away from their interest in Leicester City star Ben Nelson amid concerns about last season's form.

The 22-year-old was one of the few Leicester players who enhanced their reputations despite what was a miserable season, but their shock relegation has sparked concerns.

As the centre-back in a relegated side, concerns have grown about his impact on their season, with West Ham instead hoping to sign more "certainties" in that position.

Former West Ham scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Nelson is highly regarded at the London Stadium and elsewhere, but may not fit in to their transfer plans.

Nuno Espirito Santo is aiming to build a squad capable of winning promotion and is reluctant to take any risks on unproven players given the importance of their goals.

Nelson has impressed watching scouts from a number of clubs over last season, but West Ham are weighing up whether he is right for their plans.

Could West Ham make a move for Ben Nelson?

Brown told Football Insider on 21 July that West Ham are plotting a move to sign Nelson, with the defender firmly on their radar as they assess different options.

Nuno is determined to add another centre-back to his squad this summer as they prepare to lose their current options, and multiple targets are on his radar.

However, whether Nelson is capable of replacing their outgoing options is a sticking point for West Ham, who could instead pursue other targets.

"West Ham have a few concerns about Ben Nelson after what happened with Leicester," Brown told Football Insider.

"After Leicester got relegated, there is an expectation that their players will be available for cut-price fees, because they will not want to stick around in League One.

"West Ham could take advantage with that to sign Nelson, who ticks a lot of boxes for them as they aim to strengthen their squad for a season in the Championship.

"There is a problem there, though, because West Ham want to win promotion and they know how important that aim is.

"To do that, they're going to need to bring in ready-made players who are capable of stepping in and making an immediate difference, they can't really afford to gamble.

"Nelson is an impressive player by all accounts, and they will have had scouts watching him, but

"As the centre-back in a relegated side, you have to ask the question about his role in that disappointing season. Is he the type of player you want to hang your hat on?

"I wouldn't be so sure, and I'm sure West Ham have the same doubts, because they need somebody they can rely on, especially if they're going to be losing some big players."

Why do West Ham want a new centre-back?

West Ham's pursuit of Nelson and other centre-back targets has come as they are prepared to lose key players from Nuno's squad as the summer transfer window progresses.

Axel Disasi returned to Chelsea following his loan spell, while Konstantinos Mavropanos is eyeing a move away, and concerns have lingered about Max Kilman's ability.

Brown warned Football Insider in May that West Ham are facing a defensive "nightmare" and will scramble to sign at least two new centre-backs this summer.

Nelson is one of those on their radar and could be one of multiple coming through the door, but there is a belief that the Hammers will need more ready-made options.

If they are unable to land top-class replacements for their outgoing stars, there are concerns that Nuno's side could face major issues in the upcoming season.