Reece Oxford is considered one of West Ham’s best rising stars.
The Telegraph have claimed that Spanish giants Atletico Madrid are keeping tabs on West Ham United defender Reece Oxford, as he remains on loan with German side Borussia Monchengladbach.
The 19-year-old returned to Germany at the end of the January transfer window, after David Moyes had recalled Oxford from his season-long loan last month to have a look at the teenager. He subsequently loaned him back to Gladbach.
The England youth international has made just five appearances for Gladbach, at right-back, centre-back and in holding midfield, but it appears that Atleti are monitoring his situation as he remains a talent at his young age.
Oxford was the subject of an £8million bid from Gladbach in January, according to the report, and West Ham will want around £12million if they are to let the academy product depart in the summer.
A move would surely tempt Oxford, though, with Atleti second in La Liga behind only Barcelona.
Should he leave?
Oxford has hardly shown the kind of talent expected of him following his debut as a 16-year-old in Slaven Bilic’s first game as West Ham manager, when he marked Mesut Ozil out of the match and the Hammers won 2-0 against Arsenal.
There is still obvious talent there, though. Starring in a Gladbach side aged just 19 is no mean feat, while offering cover in three separate positions is a rare commodity in professional football these days.
West Ham must carefully assess their valuation of Oxford, if indeed they are to let him leave. He should only depart east London if Moyes’ side receive an adequate figure.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
