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ESPN staff 7y

West Ham new contract talks with Reece Oxford stall - sources

Talks over a new West Ham United contract for Reece Oxford have stalled, alerting Manchester United and Manchester City, sources close to the player have told ESPN FC.

West Ham have been in talks with Oxford over a new deal for several months, but the parties have been unable to agree terms on a contract extension for the teenager.

The 17-year-old has 18 months left on his current deal and West Ham risk losing one of their prized assets on the cheap if a breakthrough is not made.

Oxford broke into the West Ham first team at the start of last season, becoming the club's youngest ever player when he made his debut at the age of 16 years and 198 days in the Europa League qualifying tie with FC Lusitanos last July.

The England under-17 international then made his Premier League debut against Arsenal in August, becoming the second youngest player to start a Premier League game at 16 years and 237 days.

However, Oxford has made just two appearances in the Europa League qualifiers this season and has yet to feature in the Premier League despite West Ham's problems in defence.

The Hammers have conceded 16 goals in six Premier League games, 11 of them in their last three outings, but Oxford has been overlooked.

Sources told ESPN FC that long-term admirers United and City are keeping an eye on his situation and could step up their interest if his contract situation is not resolved.

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