Leeds United are lining up a move to sign Oxford United captain Curtis Nelson, according to Football Insider.
The reliable football news site claim that centre-back Nelson, 24, figures highly on the wanted list of Elland Road manager Thomas Christiansen as he aims to land a new defender before the transfer window cut-off.
However, Christiansen will face a battle to persuade Oxford to sell Nelson after he was named club captain at the Kassam Stadium this summer.
Good move for Leeds?
Possibly. Former Stoke trainee Nelson is regarded as one of the best defenders in the lower leagues after impressing at both Oxford and former club Plymouth. He is a commanding presence who has ironed out some of the weaknesses in his game in recent years, and his commitment and willingness to put his body on the line has made him a popular figure on the terraces. Is he good enough to make the step up to the Championship? All the evidence is that, yes, he is. Leeds are in need of another senior centre-back and Nelson, who is 24 and has his best years ahead of him, could prove a shrewd signing. However, he may have to wait his turn as he would be unlikely to walk straight into the Leeds starting line-up.
This Is Futbol rating: 6/10
Likely to happen?
Given Leeds’ desire to sign another centre-back, which Christiansen tacitly admitted at his weekly briefing on Friday, there is every chance. Oxford are vulnerable to a bid as Nelson only has a year remaining on the contract he signed when joining from Plymouth last summer. If the player wants it, a deal could be agreed fairly swiftly.
This Is Futbol rating: 5/10