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West Ham slap £18m price tag on defender: Man United and Man City interested
WEST HAM have reportedly placed an £18million price tag on Reece Oxford.
Reece Oxford - 5 things you need to know
The 17-year-old burst onto the scene when manager Slaven Bilic gave him his first start against Arsenal on the opening day of last season, playing a starring role as the Hammers ran out 2-0 winners at the Emirates.
And his talent, which has been amplified by him taking England to the semi-finals of the European Under 19s Championship, has not gone unnoticed with Manchester United and Manchester City being credited with interest in the defender.
The Hammers are currently involved in a contractual stand-off with Oxford, whose deal expires in 2018, and could be forced into cashing in on him if they fail to agree an extension.
West Ham prodigy Reece Oxford is attracting interest from Man City and Man Unitedq
It is claimed the stumbling block for Oxford agreeing to a new contract at the east London club is to do with wages and bonuses.
And the Daily Mail report that the Hammers are now demanding £18m for him should he decide to leave the club.
This comes after West Ham chief David Sullivan club rejected a £10m offer from newly-promoted Bundesliga side Red Bull Leipzig that would have netted the youngster £20,000-a-week.
Express Sport understands Man City launched a £10m bid of their own for Oxford as Pep Guardiola's side look to increase their number of British homegrown players over the next five years.
While United are also said to be keeping tabs on Oxford, and Jose Mourinho could see him as an attractive transfer target as he looks to develop youth players such as Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford.
Oxford made 12 appearances for the Hammers last season and could play a pivotal role for the club in the future should he decide to stay.
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