While much of the transfer talk in Manchester is about United’s pursuit of Pogba, City are also quietly going about their own business.
Reports on Tuesday have revealed that Pep Guardiola has made an official approach to sign West Ham’s Reece Oxford – a player linked with United during the final months of Louis van Gaal’s reign as manager.
The 17-year-old made an impressive start to his Premier League life in last season’s opener against Arsenal at the Emirates, and has recently been watched by City scouts as he represented England’s Under 19 side at the European Championships.
With two years left on his current deal, it’s thought West Ham may reluctantly sell the youngster to avoid losing him for nothing when his contract expires with the club in 2018.
With news of City’s move for the youngster beginning to circulate, it didn’t take long for some to point out what has happened to Jack Rodwell since he made the switch to the Etihad in 2012. Highly-rated at Everton, Rodwell had been capped by England when he moved for £12m, signing a 5-year-deal at City.
Unfortunately for him, playing time was limited in Manchester and his career stalled. Two years later, he moved on to Sunderland.
Although it may seem that Oxford has a bright future in front of him, plenty were quick to warn what happened to Rodwell and other young Englishman that have joined City in recent years.
Hope Reece Oxford doesn't sign for City…Surely Scott Sinclair and Jack Rodwell are perfect reasons not to
— Adam O Rourke (@adamorourke9) July 19, 2016
Jack Rodwell, Scott Sinclair to name but two….. be careful Reece Oxford. You'll be very rich, very young…but will you play? #whufc #mcfc
— Will O’Neill (@WillONeillPR) July 19, 2016
Is Reece Oxford really going to follow in the footsteps of Rodwell, Sinclair and Delph? Madness
— Gray™️ (@ninjagray) July 19, 2016
Reece Oxford need only look how the careers of Rodwell, Sinclair and Sterling went after signing for City😅😂
— Bill (@BillWood_) July 19, 2016
https://twitter.com/Liam_Thorne_/status/755431002546241536
https://twitter.com/leanne3654/status/755430120698118144
Reece Oxford to #mancity….. Jack Rodwell comes to mind…. Another waste of English talent?
— Dave Walton (@Safc73ftm) July 19, 2016
Reece Oxford should take a look at, for example, Rodwell or Scott Sinclair before deciding on joining Manchester City. He really shouldn't.
— Scousesque (@scousesque) July 19, 2016
