Exclusive: Southampton & Burnley plot moves to sign EFL colossus

Southampton and Burnley are among a number of Premier League clubs plotting moves to sign Oxford United defender Rob Dickie, Football Insider understands.

The strapping centre-back, 23, has been a standout performer for the League One promotion chasers this season and his performances have brought him onto the radar of several Premier League and Championship clubs.

Sources at Southampton and Burnley have told Football Insider they are keeping close tabs on Dickie ahead of the summer window.

The top-flight duo are both in the market for defensive reinforcements ahead of next season and Dickie is thought to figure highly on their wanted list.

He has less than 18 months to run on his current deal at Oxford, who may be tempted to cash in this summer.

The third-tier club are now bracing themselves for offers for their prize asset when the transfer window reopens in the summer.

The classy central defender caught the eye of Premier League scouts following his impressive displays against West Ham and Manchester City in Oxford's run to the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup.

He further demonstrated his ability with impressive performances in their two games against Newcastle in the fourth round of the FA Cup to show he can mix it with the best.

Dickie has been an ever-present for Oxford this season, making a staggering 41 appearances in all competitions so far this campaign and he has made over 200 first-team appearances in his career to date.

The former England Under-19 international joined Oxford from Reading in January 2018 and is widely regarded as one of the best central defenders in the Football League.

In other Southampton news, it can be REVEALED that the club are set to announce new deal after terms agreed.