Atletico Madrid are looking to sign West Ham’s Reece Oxford if his development at Borussia Monchengladbach continues, according to The Telegraph.
The newspaper claim that the Spanish giants believe the 19-year-old could be a good long-term prospect after monitoring him for a while.
The Telegraph report that after rejecting an offer of £8million from Monchengladbach in January, West Ham believe Oxford is worth £12million.
However it is believed that his value could rise as he has three-years left on his current Hammers’ contract and he could regularly feature in the Bundesliga during the second half of the season.
The 19-year-old defender is back on his second loan spell at Monchengladbach after a brief return to West Ham at the start of the year.
Oxford only made three appearances for the German club in the first half of the season, but recently started the game against Borussia Dortmund.
The Telegraph’s report also shares that RB Leipzig are keen on signing the defender, but the 19-year-old favours a move to Spain.
Good move for West Ham?
Yes.
Oxford made three brief appearances for the Hammers this season after returning from his first loan spell at Monchengladbach and was woeful in all of his outings.
The 19-year-old defender may have the potential to be a star one day in the game, but given his performances during this campaign, there’s no guarantee he will succeed.
If Atletico Madrid are willing to battle it out with his other suitors, then it’s a great scenario for West Ham, as they could get a huge transfer fee for someone who is currently surplus to requirements.
This is Futbol rating: 8/10
Likely to happen?
There’s a chance it will happen.
Oxford’s days at West Ham look numbered, even if he has a long contract, as both parties look keen to end his time at the club.
However, until Atletico Madrid make an actually offer for the 19-year-old, it’s hard to know if they’re serious about signing him.
If the Spanish giants don’t come in for him, Monchengladbach definitely will.
This is Futbol rating: 5/10