Newcastle United transfer news: Steve Bruce keen on in-demand League One defender plus Karl Darlow a Birmingham target

In-demand Oxford United captain Rob Dickie is wanted by a host of clubs this summer – with Newcastle United the latest club credited with an interest.
John Marquis of Portsmouth is challenged by Rob Dickie of Oxford United.John Marquis of Portsmouth is challenged by Rob Dickie of Oxford United.
John Marquis of Portsmouth is challenged by Rob Dickie of Oxford United.

National reports over the weekend claim Steve Bruce is eyeing up a move for the centre back as he looks to strengthen his defensive options, Oxford missing out on promotion last season in the play-off final.

Newly promoted Leeds United, West Bromwich Albion and relegated Norwich City have all been scouting the defender in recent months, with the Sun claiming Newcastle have a strong interest.

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Oxford United boss Karl Robinson recently confirmed that the asking price for the 24-year-old defender had gone up due to the high level of interest in him.

No offers had been tabled at the start of the month but interest is high.

Robinson told the Oxford Mail: "There's been a lot of interest.

"We've had a phone call (talking) in excess of an awful lot of millions.

"Would that be enough to get him? We've said no.

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"Nothing's been confirmed, nothing's on the table, but we've had phone calls.

"I'll be honest, the value we had (to start with) was low in comparison to what we've had already.

"That has really made us sit up and go 'where we were might not be where this ends'. We're quite excited by that."

Meanwhile, Championship side Birmingham City are keeping tabs on Newcastle goalkeeper Karl Darlow, though reports suggest the clubs are ‘miles apart on valuation’.

A loan move could be an option.

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