Reece Oxford: Manchester United and Arsenal plan £8m approach for West Ham teenage star in January

Manchester United are considering a move in signing West Ham United teenage star Reece Oxford in January. He is a versatile player who can play as a centre-back and also in the defensive midfield position.

The 16-year-old came up through the ranks of the Hammers' youth system before being promoted to the first team by manager Slaven Bilic. He made his competitive debut during the Europa League qualifier victory over FC Lusitanos at Upton Park and started in the first match of the season against Arsenal in the midfield.

West Ham are determined to keep Oxford at the club and not let him leave in the mid-season transfer window, despite making only three appearances in the Premier League this term. The Times reports that Louis van Gaal's side are set to make an £8m ($12.1m) bid for the London outfit's player.

United are set to make an offer for the West Ham's teenager in January and should it be rejected, they will move once again to secure his signature next summer. They were keen on signing the versatile player last season while he was with the Under-21s. However, Oxford snubbed a chance to join the Red Devils as he was not confident of getting regular first team football.

The Old Trafford club are leading the race and are ahead of their league rivals Manchester City and Chelsea as they look to improve their number of home grown players in the squad. Bilic is preparing to hand Oxford a two-and-a-half year deal as the FA rules does not allow the clubs to hand a three-year deal to a player under the age of 18.

Oxford will turn 17 on 15 December and Arsenal are in the frame to landing him. The Mirror claims the Gunners are plotting an £8m move for the player, who was impressive during their 2-0 defeat to West Ham at the Emirates in August.