West Ham manager Manuel Pellegrini has given the green light for young midfielder Marcus Browne to make the move to Oxford City on loan for next season, according to Football Insider.
The reliable news website claim that the Hammers boss was not planning on using the 20-year-old, who operates either as an attacking or central role in the middle of the park, as part of his first team, and has sanctioned the temporary switch.
It is stated that a move is just days away, with it expected to be completed this week, and that West Ham wanted him to head out somewhere where he could pick up regular first team action as they plot his route into the first team.
Opinion
With the amount of new arrivals Pellegrini has brought in to the London Stadium, there will be first team stars wondering if they are going to get a chance to play next season, let alone the youngsters on the very fringes of the squad. Browne does have senior experience under his belt but not enough to warrant giving him regular game time in the Premier League, and a move down the divisions should give him the action not only to help him develop into a better player, but to build his confidence and make sure he is ready for what comes next in his career path. West Ham have an abundance of quality midfielders at their disposal, but if Browne proceeds to steal the limelight down at Oxford, then he could well be recalled back in January and given a chance to shine at the London Stadium. He knows what he has to do, and this is Pellegrini demonstrating he has the faith in the youngster to go out and show the English leagues why he is a highly rated talent.