West Ham attacker Marcus Browne is currently thriving out on loan this season with League One club Oxford United, where he’s been their outstanding player.
But the 21-year-old is now on the radar of some Championship clubs and the Hammers may reportedly look to rip his Oxford deal to allow him play in a higher league.
According to the Sun, Championship clubs Derby County, West Brom, Sheffield United, Stoke City and Bristol City are all interested in him.
It could be a smart move for West Ham to sanction Browne’s switch to a Championship outfit if he’s prepared for the challenge and there are some top sides keen on his signature.
Frank Lampard’s Derby may be the perfect fit for Browne to join on loan in the second half of the season and it would be a great test to see if he’s anywhere near the level required for the West Ham first team.
Derby are fourth in the Championship table as it stands and are playing an attractive brand of football this season.
Lampard has already shown a willingness to invest in youngsters, while giving loanees Harry Wilson and Mason Mount the perfect platform to improve.
Browne is a versatile attacker that can play on the wing or more centrally and he’d add another great option to the Derby attack, with West Ham the ones to benefit further down the line.
He looks good enough to step up divisions after scoring seven goals and supplying four assists in 23 games for Oxford across all competitions this season.