West Ham starlet Reece Oxford is expected to complete a £16.8million move to Bundesliga outfit RB Leipzig next month, according to the BBC.
The broadcaster claims that the 19-year-old is to be recalled from his loan at domestic rivals Borussia Monchengladbach in January, before completing a big-money move to Leipzig.
The BBC also report that Leipzig made a previous attempt to sign Oxford in 2016, but failed to agree a fee with West Ham.
It is said that David Moyes had sanctioned a permanent exit for Oxford, but it was expected that he would remain at Monchengladbach.
Oxford, who became West Ham’s youngest-ever player in 2015, has made four appearances for Monchengladbach so far this season.
Good move for West Ham?
It seems a strange move to let one of your brightest young talents go at such a young age.
Oxford is still only 19 despite making his debut two years ago, and there are signs to suggest that he could go on to become a very good player for West Ham.
This move may in fact come down to funds, with Moyes keen to raise money to spend on his targets, and with Leipzig prepared to offer big money, a deal becomes more appealing.
Still, it does seem a rash decision, especially considering that Moyes is seemingly being allowed to sell one of the club’s most promising youth players despite only having the job on a six-month contract.
This is Futbol rating: 2/10
Likely to happen?
With the BBC reporting it, the move would indeed seem likely to happen.
The broadcaster rarely reports a transfer that is not in it’s final stages, and that would suggest that Oxford will be packing his bags in January.
Reports have been conflicting regarding Oxford recently, with some suggesting that he would remain with Monchengladbach, and others suggesting that Moyes would recall the 19-year-old.
This seems to settle it, and it is an outcome that no one was expecting.
This is Futbol rating: 8/10