West Ham ‘warn Man Utd & Man City of inflated Oxford fee’

West Ham are demanding £18million for their young defender Reece Oxford, following claims he is being targeted by both Manchester United and Manchester City.

The 17-year-old was recently the subject of a £10million bid from newly-promoted Bundesliga side Red Bull Leipzig – which was rejected by the Hammers’ owners – while United and City are thought to be among the other clubs interested in Oxford.

Oxford impressed for England during the European Under-19s Championships, helping the young Three Lions side to the semi-finals.

Last season he became West Ham’s youngest ever player when he made his competitive debut in a Europa League clash against FC Lusitanos and went on to play a total of 12 games for the Hammers.

Oxford is now in the last two years of his contract at the club, and with no progress made on a new deal, West Ham have valued the defender at £18million.

The claims that there is a belief Oxford’s new contract should reflect his valuation, especially as Manuel Lanzini – who recently joined permanently for £9.4million – is thought to be on at least three times the amount that Oxford was offered.