  In the framework of nonlocal SU(2) chiral quark models with Polyakov loop, we
analyze the dependence of the deconfinement and chiral restoration critical
temperatures on the explicit chiral symmetry breaking driven by the current
quark mass. Our results are compared with those obtained within the standard
local Polyakov-Nambu-Jona-Lasinio (PNJL) model and with lattice QCD
calculations. For a wide range of pion masses, it is found that both
deconfinement and chiral restoration critical temperatures turn out to be
strongly entangled, in contrast with the corresponding results within the PNJL
model. In addition, it is seen that the growth of the critical temperatures
with the pion mass above the physical point is basically linear, with a slope
parameter which is close to the existing lattice QCD estimates. On the other
hand, within the present mean field calculation we find an early onset of the
first order transition expected in the large quark mass limit.
