OPINION
With the loan market still open for EFL clubs it is expected that many young Premier League talents will make their way into the lower leagues on loan before the end of the month.
West Ham’s youngsters are no different, and one player whose future is still uncertain is 19-year-old defender Reece Oxford, who spent last season on loan in the Bundesliga with Borussia Monchengladbach.
It had been expected that Monchengladbach would come back in for Oxford this summer after he settled in well at the club, but such a move has not materialised and the versatile enforcer’s future looks to be elsewhere.
As reported by Claret and Hugh, RB Leipzig scouts watched Oxford in action for the Hammers Under-23 side against Tottenham on Monday, as did countless lower league clubs.
However, there is yet to be any contact between Leipzig and the Irons, and with time slowly running out in the European window it looks like that move may not come to fruition.
It is reported that West Ham are keen to hold off on an exit for Oxford as they look to secure the best deal, with the only concrete offer so far coming from Bolton Wanderers.
Claret and Hugh claim that the Trotters have offered to pay £15,000-a-week towards Oxford’s £20,000-a-week wages, with the Hammers waiting until the last minute to accept should they need to.
While it is understandable that the club are looking to secure the best deal possible for them, they are crazy to not have accepted Bolton’s offer already.
This is a big Championship side who will be looking to restore themselves to former glories, and who are obviously keen to get Oxford involved heavily in their promotion push.
The lack of offers from elsewhere for Oxford suggest that there will not be many others coming in for him in the coming days, and the best move now is to resolve his future as soon as possible.
Paying just £5,000-a-week towards his wages is a totally reasonable agreement for the Hammers, and they must realise the mistake they are making in delaying his exit.
Getting Oxford involved at Bolton as early as possible will help them in the long run, with the youngster more likely to develop this year if he gets instant game time in the Championship.
All in all a quick move to the Wanderers would be perfect for all involved, and they must sanction such a transfer immediately.
