West Ham centre-back Reece Oxford was scouted by Manchester City and Borussia Dortmund last week, according to The Sun.
The newspaper report that the European giants both watched on as Oxford played for the West Ham Under-23s against Chelsea, scoring the opener in a 3-2 loss.
The Sun claim that Hoffenheim are also scouting the 19-year-old ahead of the January transfer window, with Oxford yet to play for the Hammers first-team this season and an exit looking to be on cards.
It is said that City are long-term fans of Oxford and may look to sign the colossal 6’3″ ace [Transfermarkt] in order to increase their number of home-grown players.
Good move for West Ham?
It depends.
Were they to sell Oxford to City and watch the 19-year-old blossom into the player he has been touted to be, then that would be a bitter pill to swallow.
Things would be made easier if the Hammers were to sell him to an overseas club, with Dortmund and Hoffenheim both reportedly interested, while Oxford spent a year on loan with Borussia Monchengladbach last term.
There will also be those who argue they should keep hold of the youngster, but it has become pretty clear over the past few weeks that a sale is on the cards in January.
This is Futbol rating: 4/10
Likely to happen?
As mentioned, it does look increasingly likely that Oxford will leave West Ham, either in January or the summer.
Manager Manuel Pellegrini has consistently overlooked Oxford while promoting several youngsters to a first-team role, and that is telling.
Oxford himself has said he would prefer to remain at West Ham and get a chance with his boyhood club, but admitted he would look to leave if that does not happen.
It therefore looks like a sale is the best for all parties, and that looks likely to come sooner rather than later.
This is Futbol rating: 7/10