Leeds United are set to fight it out with Premier League side Southampton for the signature of highly-rated Oxford United defender Rob Dickie, according to the Football Insider website.
The centre-back is in the middle of an excellent campaign at the Kassam Stadium, one which has seen him feature against the likes of West Ham United, Manchester City and twice against Newcastle in cup competitions this term, and appears to have caught the eye of the Whites in the process.
Leeds are looking at defensive options, as it is currently unclear whether they will be able to hold on to Brighton and Hove Albion loanee Ben White at the end of the season, so having a replacement ready is an early summer requirement.
Dickie did not look out of place in any of those matches against Premier League outfits, and much like the Whites, he is involved in a promotion battle himself, with Oxford on the fringes of the going up from the third tier.
The 24-year-old is out of contract in the summer of 2021, so while the League One outfit have him signed on for next term, they may need to cash in during the next transfer window in order to get something from their investment.
That will be of interest to Leeds, who should they have secured a Premier League return, will have a heavy amount of money to spend, as they go about reinforcing for a successful stay in the top flight.
The Whites will need to battle it out with Southampton and Burnley if they are to get their hands on the defensive star, but having taken the time to monitor him at close quarters, they could be frontrunners for his signature.
If Leeds are able to get their man, it will see the two clubs doing business once again, after Kemar Roofe made the same transfer to good effect back in 2016.
