Rob Dickie in action for Oxford United. (Image credit: Google)
As per Football Insider (h/t Yorkshire Evening Post), Leeds United are interested in signing defender Rob Dickie from Oxford United. The report also suggests that Southampton and Burnley are also on the lookout for Dickie ahead of the summer transfer window.
Dickie, 24, came through the ranks of Reading’s youth system and featured for Cheltenham and Lincoln City on loan earlier in his career. He then moved to Oxford United in 2018 and has been a regular member under Karl Robinson.
In his three years with the League One side, Dickie has made 108 appearances for the club. His performances have been eye-catching.
Meanwhile, Leeds have recovered from the slight dip in form they showed last month and have won each of their last five league games. They have managed to cut-short their distance with leaders West Brom to within a point after the 2-0 win against Huddersfield.
Marcelo Bielsa has done a tremendous job for the team throughout the campaign and is aiming to get Leeds back into the Premier League. However, if they are promoted to the top-flight, the manager should strengthen the key areas.
In the defensive unit, Liam Cooper, Ben White and Gaetano Berardi are the only central defenders available at the moment. White is on loan from Brighton and nothing can be said of his future at Elland Road. And Gaetano Berardi has featured in only 17 games.
This would leave the Whites with limited established defenders. Hence, they should bring in reinforcements before the end of the season and Rob Dickie would be a good addition to the squad.
The 24-year-old has improved a lot and has been the mainstay at the back for Oxford United, helping them keep 16 clean sheets in 34 games. He could be the perfect replacement for White once he departs.
A central defender by trade, Dickie is also capable of featuring as a right-back. He can try playing at a higher level now, given his experience in League One. Leeds need to make their defensive line strong with fresh young legs and the Englishman would be able to provide them with the depth in the squad.
To excel in the top-flight, Leeds should make sure they have enough defenders who can make an impact on the team. And at 24, it would be the right time for Dickie to take a huge step in his career and showcase his skills at a higher level.
Therefore, the Whites should make a move for the Wokingham-born talent and lure him to Elland Road in the summer.
