Sunderland have received a boost in their pursuit of Oxford United defender Curtis Nelson.

According to a report from the Sunderland Echo, U's manager Karl Robinson has admitted that he doesn't expect to see Nelson return to the club over the summer, potentiall paving the way for the defender to move to Sunderland following their January interest.

“I’ll be honest, I don’t foresee Curtis being with us next season. I think that’s quite obvious. I spoke to him about four weeks ago. I presume he’s got something lined up, but we don’t know where.” Robinson had previously told the Oxford Mail.

Nelson was a key man for Robinson's men last season and has emerged as one of the star men outside of the Championship, but with a move expected, it would not be a suprise to see him turn up at Sunderland, who are looking to strengthen their ranks for next season.

The 23-year-0ld skippered the U's last term under Robinson, and on paper he would appear to be the ideal signing for a Sunderland side looking for leaders and new players in key positions.

A central defender by trade, Nelson is comfortable anywhere across the backline, and would no doubt be a shrewd acquisition for the Black Cats.

The Verdict

This seems like it's all set up to go ahead when you look at it from an outside point of view.

However, sadly for Oxford, Sunderland remain the big fish outside of the Champisonship, and Nelson can't really turn down a move to the club if they come in for him.

He's a talent though, and he might well be on the move again in the not too distant future if he continues his fine form.