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West Ham must back out of potential Vicari transfer and make 18-year-old top priority

Spal's Italian defender Francesco Vicari kicks the ball during the Italian Serie A football match Inter Milan vs Spal at the San Siro stadium in Mi...
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West Ham are keen on Francesco Vicari.

Spal's Italian defender Francesco Vicari kicks the ball during the Italian Serie A football match Inter Milan vs Spal at the San Siro stadium in Milan on September 10, 2017.

Italian defender Francesco Vicari is a transfer target for West Ham, according to Calciomercato.

Vicari, 23, is a talented centre-back who plays for newly promoted side SPAL.

He played a key role in their promotion campaign and has looked at home in Serie A this season – and while he is a tempting addition, West Ham should not push through their interest.

Vicari is a talented player but West Ham should realise that by bringing him in, they will be further blocking the first team opportunities of youngster Reece Oxford.

Reece Oxford of West Ham United arrives at the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Middlesbrough and West Ham United at the Riverside Stadium on January 21, 2017 in...

West Ham fans had high hopes for Oxford even before he made his debut at 16, but he has found it tough to get a run in the side since.

He was loaned to Reading last season and this year he was sent to Borussia Moenchengladbach on a season long loan.

Still just 18, West Ham need to nurture his talent and cannot afford to lose him.

Reece Oxford of West Ham United in action during the West Ham United training session at London Stadium in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Tom...

They already have Winston Reid, James Collins, Angelo Ogbonna and Jose Fonte competing for spots, and while a more youthful player like Vicari would be welcome, it should not be at Oxford’s expense.

The Hammers also have young talent Reece Burke battling away at Bolton, and he too harbours first team aspirations.

West Ham can’t assume Burke and Oxford will make the grade, but they should not add extra obstacles in their path.