Gold Coast United have all but given up hope of luring Oskar Dillon from Gold Coast Knights

GOLD Coast United have all but given up hope of securing Oskar Dillon for next year’s NPL, despite still waiting on official word of the young defender’s plans.

GOLD Coast United have all but given up hope of securing Oskar Dillon for next year’s NPL, despite still waiting on official word of the young defender’s plans.

As the tug-of-war between United and the Gold Coast Knights for Dillon’s services continues, the Bulletin understands the 19-year-old is leaning towards staying with the Knights but has not given United a definitive answer.

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Dillon, a key member of the Knights side that won this year’s Gold Coast Premier League title double, signed with United last month for the chance to work under coach Kristian Rees and alongside former Socceroo Michael Thwaite.

Oskar Dillon (left) playing for Gold Coast Knights this year. Picture: Mike Batterham

However, his contract has not been lodged with Football Queensland because the registration period does not open until January and United have already begun preparing for life without him.

Dillon turned down an interview request from the Bulletin.

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United chairman Danny Maher on Friday said the club would not stand in Dillon’s way if he wanted to leave, adamant they had the talent to cope with his departure.

“We have got Michael Thwaite at the back so we’re pretty safe,” Maher said.

“He made a football decision (to join the club). Those young guys who want to play a higher level want to be playing next to Michael Thwaite.”