Bristol City defender Rob Dickie will line up against Newcastle United on Wednesday evening, six years after being linked with a £2m move to the club.
Six years after the £2m link
In 2020, Newcastle eyed a move for Dickie when he was playing for Oxford United. Former boss Steve Bruce was said to be a big fan of the then 24-year-old. The Magpies were operating on a restricted budget after the club's prospective takeover fell through and saw Dickie as a low-risk, low-fee transfer for £2m.
However, Dickie joined Championship side QPR instead, while Newcastle signed Jeff Hendrick, Ryan Fraser and Mark Gillespie on free transfers and spent on Callum Wilson and Jamal Lewis.
Dickie spent three seasons at Loftus Road, making 129 appearances, before joining Bristol City for a cut-price fee in 2023. Now 30, he has made 120 appearances for the Robins and has two years remaining on his deal.
Newcastle's pre-season progress
Eddie Howe's side take on Bristol City as their third friendly of the summer, after beating Darlington 3-0 behind closed doors and drawing 1-1 with Gateshead. New signings Aladji Bamba and Bazoumana Toure may be available, while World Cup stars Anthony Elanga, Yoane Wissa, Nick Woltemade and Malick Thiaw have returned to Tyneside this week.
Wednesday's pre-season friendly will be Dickie's first chance to face Newcastle since the transfer links, giving him added motivation to impress against the Magpies.
