Report: Leeds and Newcastle want Oxford defender Rob Dickie

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Leeds United are amongst a quartet of Premier League clubs keen on signing Oxford United centre-back Rob Dickie this summer, according to a report from the Sunday Mirror (9/8; page 65).

Dickie is reportedly also wanted by Newcastle United, West Bromwich Albion and Fulham, according to the Sunday Mirror.

It is suggested that the 24-year-old is valued at £3 million by the League One side.

He is also entering the final year of his contract at the Kassam Stadium, according to the Sunday Mirror (9/8; page 65).

His manager Karl Robinson last month labelled his handling of the speculation surrounding his future ‘unbelievable’, in comments reported by the Oxford Mail. But he admitted that he could leave the club this summer if the deal is right for all parties.

TBR View: Leeds should few qualms about signing centre-back from lower levels

It remains to be seen how seriously Leeds want Dickie. Sky Sports reported on Saturday that they had had two bids for Ben White rejected, so they are clearly not giving up hope of bringing the Brighton man back.

Replacing White is going to be a tall order for Marcelo Bielsa’s side should he not return. And understandably, the fans will have their concerns.

But the centre-back partnership between White and Liam Cooper should leave the Leeds fans feeling hopeful about reported targets such as Dickie.

Cooper was signed from Chesterfield in 2014. Meanwhile, White – although on loan from Brighton – had not played at a level higher than League One before last season.

Leeds, of course, are now preparing for life in the top flight. But Dickie was outstanding at Oxford and it seems inevitable that he will soon get the chance to step up.