ROB Atkinson’s move to Bristol City appears to be edging closer.

The Sky Bet Championship club reportedly bid in excess of £1.4million for the Oxford United centre back last week.

The U’s are understood to have asked City to come back with a higher offer and sources suggest a deal is close to being finalised.

United’s valuation of Atkinson was originally higher than the fee they received for Rob Dickie last summer.

That was believed to be in the region of £2m, although City’s latest bid is thought to be closer to the £1.6m mark since reported, excluding add-ons.

Robins boss Nigel Pearson has made Atkinson one of his top transfer targets as he aims for two new recruits at centre back.

Former England Under 21 international Nathan Baker was brought in this week, but that does not appear to have impacted City's pursuit of Atkinson.

The former Eastleigh defender enjoyed a fine first Football League season, scoring twice in 44 appearances as United made the Sky Bet League One play-offs.

It saw him named in the division’s team of the season and the Professional Footballers’ Association League One team of the year.