Oxford’s hopes look a non starter

Manuel Pellegrini  is reported this morning as possibly being ready to hand Reece Oxford a first team opportunity over the next few weeks.

The Daily Mail reports that “whether or not the youngster can secure some minutes in forthcoming fixtures is likely to play a determining role in where his future lies beyond the January transfer window.

Oxford believes he can fulfil his potential at the London Stadium and is ready to fight for his place in Pellegrini’s plans.

Equally, however, if West Ham make clear he is not in their long term plans then the 19-year-old is prepared to leave.”

With Issa Diop and Fabian Balbuena in outstanding form and Angelo Ogbonna ahead of him, Oxford’s hopes of a breakthrough look minimal at best.

Even were suspension or injury create a real issue at the back it is likely Declan Rice would be pulled into an emergency defensive role ahead of the under 23s captain.

The Mail confirms our report of yesterday that should that turn out to be the case a loan move is of no interest to the club and the Mail reports the same applies to Oxford.

ClaretandHugh says: The thought that Pellegrini may be ready to give Oxford the chance of games in the first team is incredibly difficult to swallow at this stage of the defender’s Hammers career. One of the hallmarks of his management of the club has been his enthusiasm to have the very best of the youngsters training with the first team where Grady Diangana and Nathan Holland are among those currently doing so well. It seem quite impossible that were Oxford in his thinking he would not be among them and that he wouldn’t have already featured in the EFL Cup games against AFC Wimbledon or Macclesfield. Our understanding is that the link with Borrusia Monchengladbach has been resurrected as a result of interest from Oxford’s side. He thoroughly enjoyed his German experience last season and it became well known that he was unhappy about returning. It remains to be seen whether the Bundesliga outfit retain any interest in him but meanwhile he looks destined to be trading through a Hammers wilderness.