West Brom poised to move for Reece Oxford as Augsburg deal hits impasse

Reece Oxford’s move to Augsburg is on the brink of collapse with the West Ham United defender now the focus of interest from West Bromwich Albion and Middlesbrough.

The 20-year-old, who has enjoyed mixed fortunes since being the club’s youngest ever debutant four years ago, has agreed terms with Augsburg where he spent part of last season on loan. The Bundesliga club are refusing to add a clause that allows him to leave in the event of relegation.

Augsburg have agreed a €4.5 million deal with West Ham for Oxford with a four-year contract – but the player wants a standard relegation clause. Augsburg finished 16th last season, four points outside the league’s relegation play-off spot.

There is interest from WBA who are about to appoint Slaven Bilic, the former West Ham manager who gave Oxford his senior debut against Arsenal in August 2015. Middlesbrough, currently obliged to cut player costs, are also interested in the defender.

Oxford would cost around £2m in the English market. He has played on loan at Borussia Mönchengladbach as well as Augsburg over the past two years since his West Ham debut. He has two years left on his current deal and the club wish to sell him.