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| Reece Oxford attracted interest from Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal |
WEST HAM had to fend off interest from three top Premier League clubs to keep hold of 16-year-old Reece Oxford, Hammers chief David Gold claims.
Oxford burst onto the seen when manager Slaven Bilic gave him his first start against Arsenal on the opening day of the season.
The teen impressed in a defensive midfield role as the Hammers ran out 2-0 winners over Arsenal at the Emirates.
Since his debut, the defender has made six appearances in all competitions, but his attraction to the big clubs was apparent before he forced himself into the spotlight.
And Gold, who was happy to tie down the youngster, revealed the England youth international was hot property.
"We had to beat off Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal to keep Oxford on a long-term deal," the co-chairman tweeted.
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| David Gold was happy to tie down Oxford on a long-term deal |
Gold's determination to keep hold of Oxford shows how much he values him as a prospect for the future, and is view shared by academy director Terry Westley.
"David Gold has said Reece can become a West Ham legend and that is what this place needs," Westley told the Independent.
"We need a catalyst to change it.
"That is why the determination to keep him at 16 was so great. The value of a 16-year-old now is greater than a second-year pro.
"As a club we already had the player. Manchester City, Chelsea, Arsenal wanted him and the value was ridiculous.
"We have to give them so much so young just to keep them. You haven’t got a choice."
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