Manchester United are keen to sign West Ham youngster Reece Oxford, according to the Daily Mail.
However, the report goes on to suggest United would have to battle local rivals Manchester City for Oxford’s signature.
Oxford, who played for England’s Under-19 side in this summer’s UEFA European Under-19 Championship in Germany, is believed to be valued at £18m by West Ham.
The 17-year-old versatile defender has been linked with a move away from West Ham this summer after impressing for their first team last season.
Oxford has reportedly rejected West Ham’s offer for a new deal earlier this summer and it appears as though he’ll be the subject of transfer speculation until the transfer window closes at the end of August.
He has three more years on his contract with West Ham, which puts the Hammers in a very strong negotiating position.
Oxford is a very talented youngster and has already been likened to Rio Ferdinand, who came through West Ham’s academy before moving to Leeds United in 2000.
United have a history of signing the best youngsters in the world, so moving for Oxford would make perfect sense.
However, it’s hard to imagine United meeting West Ham’s reported asking price as Oxford’s barely played for their first team and is still only 17 years old.
