West Ham: Gold and Sullivan speak; Oxford latest; England u21 star linked

By Sam Leveridge

Co-chairmen David Gold and David Sullivan have released a statement on the club’s website, vowing to turn the club’s poor start to the season around. They said:

“There is no question that this has not been the start to the season that we were looking for but rest assured we are doing everything we can to fix the situation… We have got to remain positive. These are the same players that helped us enjoy such a memorable final season at the Boleyn Ground… We know this is a difficult time for our supporters at the moment but we want to thank you personally and wholeheartedly for staying with the club. We will turn our season around.”

Embed from Getty Images

The club bosses, who have come in for criticism in the opening weeks of the campaign after a disastrous start to life at the London Stadium as results have failed to materialise off the field after a disappointing summer transfer window, clearly have faith in the squad and Slaven Bilic, despite rumours suggesting that the Croatian only has three games, against Middlesbrough, Crystal Palace and Sunderland, to have keep his job, with fears growing that star man Dimitri Payet may grow unhappy at the club’s poor position in the table.

They are also busy in talks with the club’s youngest ever player – Reece Oxford. However, ESPN report that contract talks with the 17-year-old have stalled as he demands a significant wage rise which the club are currently refusing to match. The England under 19s captain has been on the first team scene at the start of this season, though mostly figuring from the bench, and had been happy to stay at the London Stadium as he was guaranteed a better chance of first team football.

Embed from Getty Images

However, with his contract talks now on the rocks, Manchester United and Manchester City have both been alerted to the situation as they hope to be able to snap him up cheaply before his deal expires in 2019 with West Ham losing bargaining position with every passing day. Oxford has been tipped as one of the brightest talents to come through the Hammers’ academy since the likes of Rio Ferdinand, and the central defender could be key to the club’s long term plan if they can keep hold of him.

Another young defender who could be joining the club is Wolves’ right back Dominic Iorfa, after the Mirror claimed that he could be on his way to the London Stadium before the transfer window shut at the end of August. With right back still a problem position for the club, with Bilic clearly not a fan of Sam Byram and Alvaro Arbeloa only just coming back to fitness, the England under 21 international could be tempted into a move to London to fight for a place in the Premier League.

Embed from Getty Images

The 21-year-old has impressed at the Championship and missed just one league game this season despite Wanderers major investment from new owners. It seems only a matter of time until the full-back, who hails from Essex, moves to the Premier League, with the Hammers a possible destination.

Featured Image: All rights reserved by Dan Westwell.