Reece Oxford to Manchester City: West Ham teenager linked with Etihad switch

The 17-year-old became the Hammers youngest-ever debutant – at 16 years and 198 days - when he appeared in the Europa League in the summer

Reece Oxford (GETTY IMAGES)

Manchester City have today been linked with a surprise move to sign West Ham United’s teenage midfielder Reece Oxford.

The 17-year-old became the London club’s youngest-ever debutant – at 16 years and 198 days - when he appeared in the Europa League qualifier against FC Lusitanos.

An assured display against Arsenal during the shock 2-0 opening weekend Premier League victory at the Emirates Stadium then followed.

However Oxford has not started since being subsisted at half-time during a defeat to Leicester City in August, making just three appearances from the bench thereafter.

According to The Sun, City scouts have watched the teen in his last three matches for England under-21s and are ready to compete with Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea to secure his signature.

Oxford has a year left on his contract with the Hammers but is likely to be offered improved terms before their move to the Olympic Stadium this summer.

Reece Oxford in action for West Ham (GETTY IMAGES)

Speaking following the Gunners victory, manager Slaven Bilic said: “The boy has got everything. Everything. Let’s be fair. [Mesut] Ozil had his moments or [Santi] Cazorla or Ramsey are world class players. It’s not easy to minimise their game because they’re world class players.

“He’s 16 and that is his only disadvantage. We are a little short in that position and I wanted someone to sit in front of the centre half. He has a presence, he’s mobile and quick and he can turn and pass the ball, not just square balls. We have others around making it a lot easier for him.

“He’s also a very cool guy. Not fazed or impressed. I tried to help him. We’ve been preparing him for this for the last two weeks. But the biggest help apart from his ability coolness and quality physical, and technical were the boys around him.

“He is still a risk, still 16. He’s definitely going to be a big player. As he’s 16 he’s going to have ups and downs. We have to manage him now not only on the pitch but off it too.”