West Brom are ready to hijack Augsburg’s deal to sign West Ham defender Reece Oxford, according to the Telegraph.
The newspaper claims that as the Baggies close in on hiring Slaven Bilic as their next manager, they want to sign Oxford, who was handed his senior debut by the Croatian manager during his time in charge of the Hammers.
It is understood that Augsburg’s £4million deal for the 20-year-old is on the verge of breaking down and West Brom, plus Middlesbrough, are keen to jump in and take the centre-back to the Championship.
The Telegraph adds that Oxford would cost West Brom £2million, half of what Augsburg were going to pay.
Good move for West Brom?
Oxford is not someone who fans should be that excited about really.
The England Under-20 international has had three loan spells away from West Ham now and never managed more than 10 appearances with either Augsburg, Borussia Monchengladbach or Reading.
He was one very highly-rated but his potential ability appears to be diminishing each season.
Oxford may still be a decent addition at £2million and he would certainly bring down the average age of the West Brom squad.
Hopefully Bilic can get him playing like he used to when he broke onto the scene at West Ham.
This is Futbol rating 5/10
Likely to happen?
If West Brom hire Bilic, which is looking likely, then that could put them in pole position for Oxford’s signature.
The Telegraph reports that his permanent move to Augsburg is close to falling through due to him wanting a relegation clause in his contract, so that deal looks like it might die soon.
Also West Ham are reportedly ready to get rid of the defender, who could replace someone like Craig Dawson at The Hawthorns.
This is Futbol rating 5/10