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West Brom signing this young Hammers prodigy would be the right step forward by Slaven Bilic

West Brom opinion: Bilic should make a move for Reece Oxford

According to reports from English news outlet the Telegraph, West Bromwich Albion have entered the race for Reece Oxford. The 20-year-old centre-back has done well for himself on multiple loan spells outside the Premier League but has struggled to make it at West Ham.

That is even after he made his debut at the young age of 16 against a club like Arsenal. His performances as a then 16-year-old saw him win a lot of plaudits and Oxford at one stage was even compared to Rio Ferdinand by journalist Jacob Steinburg.

However, things haven’t gone his way since then and instead, the 20-year-old star has often been used as a bench warmer at West Ham. That was about to change with Ausburg getting closer to a permanent move but now it seems that the Baggies have the advantage.

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The report from the Telegraph does add that while Reece Oxford has agreed to personal terms with the club and given West Ham have even got a transfer fee, there is a glitch. It adds that the 20-year-old defender wants a clause that allows him to leave in case Augsburg get relegated.

That has seen the Bundesliga side stall on the deal and it allows West Brom to step in. They need someone just like Reece Oxford in their ranks and given their ageing back-line, the 20-year-old would certainly be a welcome addition.

His ability and talent are undoubted but his most impressive attribute is his consistency. The 20-year-old is a reliable defender and is extremely comfortable with the ball at his feet. Combine that with his flair, Oxford calmly pressures the opposition, regardless of when they are attacking.

Thanks to his speed and aerial ability, it helps him intercept play and regain possession. His confidence on the ball allows the young centre-back to keep position and pass it on or start a move himself. That will help the Baggies.

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With former West Ham boss Slaven Bilic being appointed as the new Baggies manager, it gives them a small advantage. The Croatian is the man who gave Oxford his debut and nurtured the versatile star until he was sacked by the Hammers.

It effectively changed the way the world looked at Oxford and it should play a part if West Brom are to win the race.

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Conclusion

West Brom need new stars in their stable and more importantly it has to be someone from this generation. They need to stop looking at players way past their prime or at least stop making them a primary concern.

Instead, adding someone like Reece Oxford will help change the course of their future and provide them with a better chance of promotion next season.