CURTIS Nelson is ready to fight for a place in the Oxford United side after his signing intensified the competition at centre half.

The move was an impressive statement from the U’s, with Sky Bet Championship clubs interested in signing the talented 23-year-old.

Nelson signed a two-year deal yesterday after turning down the chance to stay at Plymouth Argyle, for whom he played almost 250 games.

It strengthened an area of the squad which already looked competitive, with four senior centre backs now in the mix.

Jake Wright is the captain and longest-serving player in the squad, Chey Dunkley developed rapidly last season to become a key figure, while Aaron Martin was signed last month.

Boss Michael Appleton has been keen for a bigger squad to cope with new rules which prevent loan signings outside of transfer windows.

It sets up an intriguing battle in pre-season to see who can establish themselves in the first-choice pairing.

But the prospect does not faze Nelson.

He said: “There is a lot of competition, but I suppose with the new loan rules you need back-up.

“It’s up to me to put myself in the window to be picked.”

Nelson joins as a free agent, but as he is under 24 compensation is due to Plymouth.

Talks took place between the clubs last week, but the U’s valuation did not come close to what the Pilgrims, who also rejected an approach from Barnsley last month, wanted for their captain.

The level will now be decided by a three-man tribunal, which is non-negotiable.

Martin Starnes, Argyle’s chief executive, told the Plymouth Herald: “They (Oxford) made an offer which we considered to be below our valuation by some margin.

“It appeared as though the best solution was to go to tribunal, but that’s not to say that negotiations won’t continue at some stage.”

Like fellow new boy Christian Ribeiro, part of United’s attraction to Nelson resulted from him coming up against Appleton’s side last season.

Argyle were promotion rivals, but were outplayed in a 1-0 defeat at the Kassam Stadium, before grinding out a 2-2 draw in Devon where Nelson scored.

He said: “You remember teams that cause you problems.

“They were one of the best, if not the best, team we played against last year.

“I think you’ve got to pay credit to what the manager did and they did the job by going up automatically, which is the aim.

“I know they played some really good football and they’re a difficult team to play against.

“Hopefully they are again this year, so I’m looking forward to it.”