Sheffield Wednesday could solve problem area with the addition of West Ham’s Reece Oxford

Follow us on Google Discover

Sheffield Wednesday must bulk up their defence before August 31. And a loan move for West Ham’s Reece Oxford could be an answer

According to a report in the Sheffield Star, Sheffield Wednesday’s transfer embargo has been lifted and the club can now use the rest of the loan window to strengthen their current squad.

Manager Jos Luhukay has had his hands tied this summer, but now he is now said to be eligible to utilise the loan system ahead of the August 31 deadline. And West Ham United’s Reece Oxford should be considered a serious target.

Sheffield Wednesday are short on numbers at the back, with former skipper Glenn Loovens moving on following the expiration of his contract, while popular loanee Frederico Venancio returned to his native Portugal.

It means Sheffield Wednesday have started the season with only three senior centre-backs in Daniel Pudil, Tom Lees and Joost van Aken – the latter who featured sporadically last term, and was deemed only a squad player.

With Luhukay preferring a system with three centre-backs, Wednesday can’t afford to lose a senior defender to injury or suspension considering the lack of experience they have in reserve.

West Ham youngster Reece Oxford may still be just 19 years old, yet the teenager has first-team experience having enjoyed loan spells in the Bundesliga with Borussia Monchengladbach.

Oxford made his West Ham Premier League debut at just 16 years of age, impressing as the east London club recorded an opening day 2-0 victory over London rivals Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

Many tipped the versatile defender to go on and achieve big things in the game, likening him to former Hammers player Rio Ferdinand, but right now he seems out of favour and in need of another loan spell.

West Ham boss Manuel Pellegrini has plenty of defensive cover with Winston Reid, Fabian Balbuena, Angelo Ogbonna, Issia Diop and Declan Rice all options when fit, so loaning Oxford out shouldn’t be an issue.

Oxford would get plenty of game-time at Hillsborough, while his ability to bring the ball out of defence would certainly compliment the Owls’ style of play, as they look to patiently build attacks from the back.