Manchester United transfer news: West Ham's Reece Oxford watched by scouts with Arsenal and City interested

Oxford is wanted by the likes of United, Arsenal and City but West Ham do not want to sell the 17-year-old

Jack de Menezes

Saturday 07 May 2016 13:51 BST

Reece Oxford celebrates leading West Ham to Under-21s Cup glory (Getty)

Manchester United are keeping a close eye on West Ham prospect Reece Oxford after sending scouts to watch the young England youth international in a bid to beat Arsenal and Manchester City to his signature, should he decide to leave the Hammers.

Oxford starred in West Ham Under-21s Cup Final victory over Hull City in midweek and, having already made an impression on the Premier League following his debut at the start of the season, enjoys a growing reputation as a future star in English football.

According to The Sun, United are interested in signing the 17-year-old in order to add to their core of young home-grown talent, but should they make a move for the midfielder in the summer they could face competition from both Arsenal and City.

Arsenal have been keeping Oxford among their players of interest since he impressed in the defeat of the Gunners at the start of the season, and his ability to also play in defence would meet manager Arsene Wenger’s preference to add versatile players to his squad. With Mikel Arteta, Mathieu Flamini and Tomas Rosicky all set to leave the Emirates this summer, the club need to strengthen in midfield, but Oxford is by no means a definite signing.

United are also set to add to their midfield with Michael Carrick out of contract and unsure of his future, given a potential replacement for Louis van Gaal as manager – should he be sacked – could choose to offer the veteran midfielder a new deal. Marouane Fellaini is also reported to be heading for the exit, with interest coming from Italian side Roma.

Who might Mourinho try to sign at Man Utd?

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1/11Who might Mourinho try to sign at Man Utd?

Who might Mourinho try to sign at Man Utd?

John Stones

Mourinho's admiration for the Everton defender is well known with the Portuguese coach understood to have been behind Chelsea's bids for the England international last summer. Everton refused to relent back then but an offer of even more money from Manchester United might be too tempting to turn down.

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Who might Mourinho try to sign at Man Utd?

Cesc Fabregas

Fabregas was understood to be on Manchester United's radar when he left Barcelona for Chelsea and the Spain international is of the quality that would improve United's current squad. Despite the reports that the former Arsenal player was among those who forced Mourinho out at Stamford Bridge, he was one of the few to speak publicly in glowing terms of Mourinho. "Thank you for all you have done for me," he wrote on Twitter. "I owe you a lot and we will all miss you. Good luck in the future."

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Who might Mourinho try to sign at Man Utd?

Gareth Bale

Manchester United hold a long-term interest in Bale and Mourinho's arrival will only strengthen their determination to sign the Wales international. It's been suggested that the Real Madrid forward has been put off moving to Old Trafford due to the uncertainty surrounding the club, but the appointment of Mourinho would go a long way to dispelling fears that Manchester United are a club in flux.

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Who might Mourinho try to sign at Man Utd?

Alvaro Morata

Alvaro Morata has caught the eye of Arsenal, Chelsea and United, but the appointment of Mourinho as manager could give the Manchester club the advantage. Any move for Morata is likely to involve Real Madrid, and Mourinho's good relationship with his former club would help smooth over negotiations.

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Who might Mourinho try to sign at Man Utd?

Raphael Varane

Manchester United spent much of last summer pursuing Sergio Ramos, but a repeat attempt to sign the Real Madrid centre-back appears highly unlikely if Mourinho takes charge due to their tempestuous relationship during their shared time at the Bernabeu. A move for Ramos' fellow centre-back Varane does seem plausible though, with Mourinho signing the defender from Lens and giving him his opportunity at Real Madrid.

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Who might Mourinho try to sign at Man Utd?

Paul Pogba

Who doesn't want Paul Pogba? Despite claims the midfielder will move to Barcelona in the summer, nothing has been confirmed and while that remains the case the France international will continue to be linked with big-money moves elsewhere, including a return to Manchester United. Chelsea reportedly made a huge bid for the 22-year-old last summer, confirming that Mourinho is a fan.

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Who might Mourinho try to sign at Man Utd?

Andre Gomes

The Valencia midfielder emerged on United's radar before Mourinho was linked with the club, but he appears to be a fan of the 22-year-old. One problem will be Valencia's valuation, which currently sits in excess of £40m.

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Who might Mourinho try to sign at Man Utd?

Luka Modric

Mourinho revealed that he tried to sign Modric for Chelsea in 2014, confirming that a reunion with the player he worked with at Real Madrid appeals. It was Mourinho who signed the Croatian from Tottenham in 2012 and with the 30-year-old still operating at the top level on a consistent basis, he would certainly have something to offer Manchester United.

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Who might Mourinho try to sign at Man Utd?

Joao Mario

Joao Mario is wanted by Mourinho after the Sporting Lisbon midfielder impressed his compatriot. Valued at around £27m, the 23-year-old would be an expensive acquisition for United, but he could follow in the footsteps of Cristiano Ronaldo in heading to Old Trafford from the Portuguese club.

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Who might Mourinho try to sign at Man Utd?

Ezequiel Garay

Garay worked under Mourinho at Real Madrid, but while he is being linked with a move to United, it's uncertain if he would be considered a first-team starter. Garay was sold by Mourinho to Benfica in 2011, having failed to impress the Portuguese, and he could be brought in to try and add the defensive depth that United are clearly lacking.

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Who might Mourinho try to sign at Man Utd?

Mauro Icardi

The Inter Milan captain has reiterated his commitment to the Italian side, but offers are still expected to be made for the 23-year-old with both United and Arsenal linked with the striker as well as Chelsea.

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City’s interest could well depend on what incoming manager Pep Guardiola has planned for the club, but they are believed to have been watching Oxford since he made his Premier League bow and would consider moving for the West Ham youngster in a bid to improve their English contingent to meet Uefa’s home-grown quota.

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