Reading are locked in a transfer tussle with Fulham and Middlesbrough to the potential signing of Oxford United defender Rob Dickie according to The Mirror. 

The U's defender has caught the eye with a number of impressive performances for the League One side, who are in contention to challenge for promotion into the Championship.

Dickie has made 46 appearances in all competitions for Karl Robinson's side, and has established himself as one of the first names on the team-sheet for Oxford United.

The central defender could be tempted to move back to Reading, with the 24-year-old previously coming through the Royals' youth academy earlier in his career, before departing in 2018.

However, a move to Fulham could also be a tempting proposition for Dickie, with Scott Parker's side currently sat third in the Championship table, and in with a chance of winning promotion back into the Premier League at the first time of asking.

Due to recent off-the-field events, some clubs are struggling for financial stability, which could lead to Oxford United cashing in on Dickie.

He'll be hoping to have his long-term future resolved at the earliest of opportunities heading into the summer transfer window.

Can you score full marks in this Oxford United quiz? 

The Verdict: 

I think he'd be a welcome addition back into the Reading team.

I still think that the Royals made a mistake in letting him go when they did, and he's certainly proven my point with a number of impressive performances for Oxford United since departing the Madejski Stadium.

I think that Reading are likely to be the only team that are interested that are able to offer him regular game time, with it seemingly likely that Matt Miazga is set to return to Chelsea from his loan spell with Mark Bowen's side.

I would be stunned if Dickie was an Oxford United player before the start of next year's campaign.