Is Reece Oxford worth £18m to Manchester United or their city rivals?

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Having made his debut last season, Reece Oxford has shot to fame as one of the most valuable young English talents in the game, making 12 appearances for West Ham in his debut season, including his first start at the Emirates early on in the 2015/16 season. Now reportedly involved in a contract dispute with his London club, the Daily Mail claim that they have put an £18 million price tag on his head as both Manchester United and Manchester City monitor his situation.

The London-born centre-back; who can also play in holding midfield, is believe to be demanding an increased wage in order to match his valuation, with only two years left to go on his current contract. West Ham are reluctant to offer him such a wage, believing that as a youngster on the fringe of the first team squad he should not have a wage comparable to some of their regular starters.

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Having suffered heartbreak with England under 19s this summer, where the youngsters crashed out at the semi-final stage of the European Championships to Italy in extra-time, Oxford is now set to enjoy a short break before returning to club football, preparing for life at the Olympic Stadium, unless a convincing offer comes in for him.

Some reports claim that Bundesliga club Red Bull Leipzig have offered a £10 million bid with a £20,000 a week contract for the defender, but West Ham have rejected it and are hoping for an offer of at least £18 million. The question for Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola will be: is he worth it?

Calm and composed; both on and off the ball, to an extent that belies his age, Oxford undoubtedly has extraordinary quality for his age. Used as the key component of Aidy Bothroyd’s England side in their European Championships bid this season, and captain of West Ham’s under-21s at just 17 years of age, he is a leader and leads by example.

Vitally, at just 17, it provides the opportunity for Oxford to qualify as a home-grown player for any club that signs him this summer. With UEFA rules requiring at least four players in a Champions League squad to be club home-grown players, meaning that they have spent three consecutive seasons or 36 months at the club between the ages of 15 and 21. This is vital for any interested club, particularly Manchester City, who have struggled to fulfil this obligation in the past, and adds value to the youngster.

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For the two Manchester clubs, £18 million is just a drop in the ocean when you compare it to some of the bigger deals which may see the likes of Paul Pogba head to Manchester United. A player like Oxford has all the ingredients to be successful, and seems to have the attitude required to reach his potential with hard work and dedication.

Oxford may not be quite ready for first-team football at either club just yet, but would be an assured option from the bench and in cup tournaments should rotations take place, and if he continues with his current development could go on to become one of the most valuable English footballers in history in the future. £18 million could turn out to be a real bargain.

Featured Image: All rights reserved by Felix Ursell.