Manchester United have already made three key signings and are on the lookout for one more to complete Jose Mourinho’s transfer business this summer. While they have been linked with the likes of Paul Pogba and Blaise Matuidi, their hunt for a central midfielder could take them closer to home.
Manchester United have not moved any closer to signing PSG midfielder Blaise Matuidi, while their negotiation for Juventus ace Paul Pogba is proving increasingly difficult. United manager Jose Mourinho had earlier stated that he would like to make four signings this summer, and with Eric Bailly, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Henrikh Mkhitaryan having signed with the club already, all indications point towards the singing of a central midfielder to complete the Special One’s re-haul.
However, with the big name signings likely to be complicated processes, Mourinho has now turned his attention to future stars. United scouts will assess West Ham United midfielder Reece Oxford one final time in England’s U19 match against Holland later this week, before taking the final call on a potential £10 million bid for the 17-year-old Englishman, according to the Sun.
While Reece Oxford’s profile states that he is a defender, he has enjoyed his most eye-catching professional outings in a defensive midfield position thus far. He made his competitive debut this past season in the West Ham United midfield against FC Lusitanos in the Europa League in July.
Oxford made his Premier League debut a month later — once again in midfield — as the Hammers beat Arsenal 2-0 on the opening weekend. In doing so, he became the second youngest Premier League player to start a game in the competition’s history. He went on to make 12 appearances for West Ham in all competitions.
Jose Mourinho was interested in Oxford even when his managerial role at Manchester United wasn’t confirmed, while the club are believed to have been scouting him for almost a month and a half. The Portuguese rates the teenager very highly and considers him to be one of the most promising young players in the Premier League. The Hammers are reportedly willing to let him go for £10 million, but United will be ready to raise their offer if required.
It would be an astute signing for the future by Mourinho and United even as they wait for the final word from the likes of Pogba and Matuidi, who are their top remaining transfer targets this summer.
