Manchester United and cross town rivals Manchester City have been alerted after contract talks between West Ham United and Reece Oxford have stalled
Earlier in the summer, Manchester United were rumoured to be preparing an offer around the region of 10 million for the defender, but that didn’t materialise eventually and the Red Devils went on to get Paul Pogba. Mourinho was reportedly targeting Oxford even before he was officially announced as Manchester United manager.
Now according to ESPN sources, talks over a new contract between the club and their prized youngster have stalled. Over the course of the past several months, negotiations have been going on over a contract extension but neither party has been able to come to an agreement.
With talks reaching an impasse and only 18 months left on his current contract, Manchester United and arch rivals Manchester City have been alerted regarding the situation and they’ve been keeping a close eye on proceedings.
Both teams are said to be long term admirers of the England U-17 international and would be willing to step up and make a bid, should an agreement not be reached.
The 17-year-old Oxford has been earmarked for greatness in the future and is currently one of England’s greatest youth prospects. He made his West Ham debut aged only 16, making him the youngest ever player to do so in the club’s history and the second youngest player to ever start a Premier League game.
West Ham have had endured a difficult start to the season, getting knocked out in the Europa League qualifiers and losing 4 of their last 6 Premier League games.
The Hammers have conceded a total of 11 goals in their last four games against Watford, West Brom and Southampton and despite their defensive issues, Oxford is yet to feature for Slaven Bilic’s men this season.