KARL Robinson is hoping skipper Curtis Nelson becomes the next Oxford United player to commit to a long-term deal.

Goalkeeper Simon Eastwood last week put pen-to-paper on a new three-year contract, citing a list of exciting summer transfer targets as one of the key reasons he was keen to extend his stay.

United have activated a clause in Nelson’s contract that keeps him at the Kassam Stadium for another 12 months.

The U’s boss revealed earlier in the month the club have offered deals to several key players whose contracts have a year left to run.

And Robinson admitted he is hoping the conversations with Nelson will lead to a positive outcome.

“We are really looking to build in the middle area of the pitch, but ultimately we will all get judged on what happens in the two boxes,” he said.

“So to re-sign Curtis, hopefully, and get Easty over the line, to go along with Rob Dickie and Mous (John Mousinho) and then with the two full backs that we need – our box will be very well protected.

“We had a chat, met his people, and we have all been very open and honest in what we are trying to achieve."

Nelson was expected to miss all the rest of last season after rupturing one of his Achilles tendons against Northampton Town in November.

But the central defender, who turned 25 on Monday, made a remarkable return to feature in the final month of the campaign.

Robinson said his desire to return to fitness spoke volumes.

“We wanted to get him back and get some minutes into him to try to get him to a better level for when we come back next season,” he said.

“He’s a top man and hopefully we can build around him.”

Meanwhile, Robinson says he is continuing to work apace to try to bring in new signings.

“I’ve only had two or three days off since the end of the season,” he said yesterday.

“I am meeting three agents today, one tomorrow, four on Thursday and two on Friday.

“That doesn’t mean we are going to sign all these players, but it’s important to set up all the meetings.

“We have done our due diligence on many players.”

He added: “We are in the midst of a very busy period.

“Everyone is scrambling around before they go on holiday and the World Cup, then it will die down a bit before a manic rush.”