Newcastle set to make move for the 'new Harry Maguire' - Steve Bruce a 'big admirer' - Report

According to Football Insider, Steve Bruce is hoping to sign QPR star Rob Dickie this summer - a player he's been a 'big admirer' of for a few seasons now.

They state that the towering centre-back has been identified as Bruce's 'top target' as he looks to bolster our ageing defence, with him said to be a long-term target and someone we've tracked ever since he impressed in our FA Cup clashes with Oxford in 2019/20.

The report also claims that we very nearly made a move for the 25-year-old last summer before he ended swapping Oxford for Loftus Road last summer in a deal worth £2.5m.

Dickie has been likened to Harry Maguire for his ability to step out with the ball despite his huge 6ft 3' frame - an interesting comparison considering Bruce handed the Man Utd skipper his big break at Premier League level by signing him for Hull City back in 2014.

Football Insider also suggest that a move for Dickie could appeal to Mike Ashley, with the club believed to see him as a player who'll get better and better and be worth big money before long.

The former England U19 youth international has been QPR's standout player for 2020/21, winning all of their end-of-season awards on a debut year that’s seen him score three times, help them to 14 clean sheets and play 43 of their 46 league games.

Given his age, our long-term interest, Bruce's recent focus on British talent and the fact he's unlikely to cost too much, I wouldn't be surprised if there's something in this latest transfer link. Only time will tell!

Follow us on Twitter (@NUFCBlogcouk) and on Facebook HERE