According to reports from The Times via The Express, Manchester United are preparing an £8million swoop for West Ham United prodigy Reece Oxford during the January transfer window.
The 16-year-old earned rave reviews for his impressive performance against Arsenal on the opening day of the season, making three tackles, two interceptions and blocking two shots from defensive midfield to help the Hammers record a shock 2-0 win at the Emirates.
But the 6 foot 3 teenager, who has represented England an impressive 17 times at U17 level, was hauled off at half-time during the West Ham’s following fixture against Leicester City and hasn’t featured for the club’s senior string since his eight-minute substitute outing against Liverpool in August.
He’s reportedly frustrated by the lack of playing time, according to The Times, which could see long-term admirers Manchester United launch an £8million bid for the centre-half-come-defensive-mid when the transfer window reopens in January.
But the Red Devils aren’t the only interested party, claim The Express. Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City are also keen on Oxford and could make rival offers if United’s bid is accepted.
The Irons, meanwhile, are hoping to tie their prodigious prospect down to a new two-and-a-half-year contract when he turns 17 later this month, which would essentially rule out a January move. FA regulations state that players under the age of 18 can’t sign contracts that are three years or longer.