Oxford United manager Karl Robinson has revealed that the club expect to lose defender Rob Dickie this summer, amid report linking him with Forest and several other Championship sides.
It is thought that Forest are among a number of clubs interested in securing the services of Dickie, after Oxford failed to win promotion to the Championship this season following their League One play-off final defeat to Wycombe last week.
Now it seems as though Oxford themselves are resigned to losing one of their key assets when the transfer window reopens.
Speaking about that interested in Dickie to the Oxford Mail, Robinson explained: “I’ve had a conversation today that blew me away when you think of the size of this club that would be interested in the likes of Rob.
“You can’t keep that player if these clubs come in, so re-spend it to give yourself the greatest opportunity to build again for the future.”
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Indeed, it seems Robinson is reluctant to stand in the way of some of the opportunities that may soon be given to Dickie, as he continued: “To be honest, I don’t think it’s right to keep Rob back.”
Since joining Oxford in January 2018, Dickie has made 113 appearances in all competitions for the club, but is out of contract at the end of next season, which could put pressure on Oxford to sell now while they can still receive a decent fee for the 24-year-old.
As well as Forest, Fulham and Derby are also said to be interested in the centre back, while Premier League duo Burnley and Southampton have previously been linked with Dickie, who is reportedly valued at £2-3million.
These comments from Robinson ought to prompt Forest to move quickly here.
It is clear that they have the chance to secure the services of a very promising defender here, but with a number of other clubs interested, and likely to have noticed what the Oxford boss has said here, Forest may need to make their offer sooner rather than later, so they do not risk being left behind in this transfer race.
