According to John Cross of the Mirror, Nottingham Forest are keen on Reece Oxford who ‘could be allowed to leave’ West Ham United before the January transfer window closes. The 20-year-old has struggled for playing time this season after returning from a loan spell at Borussia Monchengladbach and doesn’t appear to have a future at the London Stadium.
Oxford has turned out on a regular basis for West Ham’s reserve team this season, making 13 appearances in the Premier League 2 and two appearances in the EFL Trophy. The England u20 international’s last senior outing for United came against Crystal Palace in the Premier League on January 30, 2018.
He rose through the youth ranks to the West Ham first-team in 2015 and 12 appearances in all competitions (7 in the Premier League, 2 in the FA Cup, 3 in the Europa League qualifiers) during the 2015/16 season. Oxford has since found himself out of favour, amassing only 307 minutes of football in the three years that followed and Forest are hoping to take advantage.
The Reds could be open on an £8m move for the defender, but Martin O’Neill will reportedly have the final say. Oxford wants first-team football and West Ham are happy to let him leave, but Forest have Arsenal, Everton and Manchester United for competition for his signature.
Crippy Cooke’s previous article
‘Tough’ time at Nottingham Forest led to 19-year-old’s exit, has returned to former club
