German club Borussia Monchengladbach have confirmed they are in talks with West Ham about signing defender Reece Oxford on a permanent basis.
The 19-year-old has spent the first half of the season on loan with the Bundesliga side, but the Hammers boss David Moyes confirmed on Friday that he will return to the London Stadium.
He is a highly-rated centre-back that joined Monchengladbach this season for first-team experience, but made just four senior appearances for them as he mainly watched from the bench.
Monchengladbach have now confirmed on their official Twitter account that Oxford has returned to his parent club, but that they are currently in talks with West Ham about signing him on a permanent deal.
OFFICIAL: @Reeceoxford_ has been recalled by @WestHamUtd – #Borussia remain in talks for a permanent move ? https://t.co/fCpx1j6wN6 #fohlenelf pic.twitter.com/vvk4EjB9lv
— Gladbach (@borussia_en) December 29, 2017
The England Under-20 international has seen his loan deal at the German club terminated and his future is now seemingly up in the air.
Moyes reiterated he will now assess the versatile defender following his return to the Hammers, but Monchengladbach are still in the hunt.
OPINION
Oxford was expected to join Monchengladbach for the season to improve as a player and return to West Ham next summer as a more finished article. The English talent has made 16 senior appearances in the past for the Hammers and many supporters believe that he can become a future first teamer. He was unable to get a real opportunity in the first half of the campaign in Germany and has returned to West Ham to be assessed by Moyes. His future could go one of two ways and fans will want the player to impress the new manager in training. The Hammers certainly could do with an additional centre-back in their squad and Oxford has all the potential to fill a vital position.