Leeds and West Ham are just two sides that have been credited with an interest in QPR defender Rob Dickie, The Athletic report.

The Lowdown: Dickie profiled

Dickie made the move to QPR back last year and is primarily a centre-back who can also turn out as a right-back when required. [Transfermarkt]

The 6 foot 2 defender shares the same agents, YMU Group, as former Whites forward Kemar Roofe, so the club will be familiar with his representation. He has made 71 appearances for QPR – 26 of which have come this season.

Described as ‘quick’ by Oxford boss Karl Robinson, Dickie has progressed up through the divisions, and it seems as if a move to the Premier League could now be on the cards.

The Latest: Leeds interested

The Athletic ran an in-depth story on Dickie on Tuesday. Along with Leeds and West Ham, they credit Burnley, Southampton and Wolves with an interest in the 25-year-old.

The report ended by claiming that any transfer involving Dickie in January would ‘probably need to be eight figures’.

The Verdict: Avoid

Marcelo Bielsa isn’t exactly short of centre-back options with four senior centre-backs and youngster Charlie Cresswell on the books.

Right-back Luke Ayling and midfielder Kalvin Phillips can also fill in when needed, so it seems as if the Whites could do with prioritising other areas of the pitch in January.

Victor Orta is after a defensive and attacking midfielder in the New Year, with Leeds having just four defensive, central or attacking midfield options in their squad.

On that basis, we feel Leeds should avoid any possible swoop for Dickie over the coming weeks and allow a number of their Premier League rivals to battle for his signature, splashing the cash further up the pitch instead.

In other news: Phil Hay drops big Jan update as rumours mount on 'unbelievable player'.