Curtis Nelson’s time at Derby County could be drawing to a close, with MK Dons emerging as the leading contenders to secure the defender’s signature before the January transfer window shuts.
The League Two promotion hopefuls are understood to be keen on a reunion between Curtis Nelson and head coach Paul Warne, who worked closely with the centre-back during his spell in charge at Pride Park.
With MK Dons pushing hard for an immediate return to League One, Nelson’s experience and leadership profile makes him an appealing target.
Warne has already acted decisively this month, bringing Ben Wiles to Stadium MK from Huddersfield Town and completing a permanent deal for Jay Matete from Sunderland.
Adding Nelson would further underline the club’s intent ahead of a demanding second half of the season.
Nelson is out of contract at Derby at the end of the campaign and has found himself on the fringes of John Eustace’s plans.
With the Rams operating at the EFL’s 25-man squad limit and competition fierce in central defence, opportunities have been limited.
The 32-year-old has made just one appearance this season, coming on at half-time against Birmingham City on Boxing Day, and has since been omitted from the matchday squads for fixtures against Leicester City and Wrexham.
That lack of involvement has inevitably attracted interest from elsewhere in the Football League.
Plymouth Argyle, Mansfield Town and Burton Albion are all understood to be monitoring the situation, but MK Dons currently appear to have positioned themselves at the front of the queue should Derby decide to sanction a move.
Few defenders in the EFL can match Nelson’s experience.
He has made more than 500 league appearances across a career spent largely in the Championship and League One, and was a central figure in Derby’s promotion-winning campaign, forming a strong partnership with Eiran Cashin.
Although an ACL injury disrupted his momentum following Derby’s return to the Championship, Nelson has shown he remains a dependable option.
His performance against Birmingham, stepping into the backline with Derby reduced to ten men, was a timely reminder of his composure and reliability.
Eustace recently acknowledged that interest in his squad has increased. “There have been enquiries for two or three of our players,” he told BBC Radio Derby.
The Derby boss has also been keen to stress that Nelson’s lack of minutes is not a reflection of his ability.
“Curtis is part of the squad. Obviously, we can’t carry too many defenders on the bench, but when he’s been called upon so far, he’s been great,” Eustace said.
“In the Birmingham game, he came on and he was terrific. We want to do right by all the players, and he’s getting treated exactly the same as the others.”
With Nelson approaching the final months of his contract and keen to play regularly, the conditions are in place for a January departure.
MK Dons may currently be in the strongest position, but they are not short of competition.
MK Dons
All signs currently point towards Stadium MK. Warne’s familiarity with Nelson, coupled with the promise of a meaningful role in a promotion push, makes this a natural fit if Derby are willing to sanction a move.
Bolton Wanderers
Bolton’s play-off challenge has been built on defensive resilience, with Steven Schumacher’s side conceding just 22 league goals so far, second best in the division.
Nelson would offer another dependable option during a congested run-in.
Plymouth Argyle
A return to Home Park would come with emotional pull. Plymouth are battling relegation, and Nelson’s leadership could bring calm to an improving backline.
The presence of former manager Derek Adams, now Director of Football, adds further intrigue.
Oxford United
Oxford know Nelson well. He became a firm favourite during his three-year spell at the Kassam Stadium, and his organisational qualities could be attractive as the U’s look to stabilise themselves in the Championship.
Blackburn Rovers
Blackburn’s recent struggles have sparked a search for proven Championship defenders. Nelson’s display against Birmingham showed he remains capable at this level and could appeal to clubs seeking experience.
If a move materialises this month, MK Dons look best placed to complete it.
Paul Warne’s trust in Nelson, combined with the club’s clear intent to strengthen for a promotion push, gives them an advantage that others may struggle to match.
From Derby’s perspective, allowing Nelson to move on would mean losing a steady, experienced presence.
A defender trusted in high-pressure moments and respected within the dressing room.
Even with limited minutes, his experience has remained a valuable safety net across a long Championship season.
For MK Dons, however, the upside is clear. Nelson would arrive with leadership, know-how and a proven track record of promotion, as well as a strong understanding of Warne’s demands.
His calmness and authority at the back could make a meaningful difference as the pressure increases during the second half of the campaign.
