Pep Guardiola is being mindful about the Premier League’s homegrown quota and will move for West Ham youngster Reece Oxford in the summer to boost the number of English players at the club, according to the Daily Mail.
Oxford would provide competition for current centre-backs Nicolas Otamendi and Eliaquim Mangala but, more than likely, feature for City’s U21 team next season.
The 17-year-old has made 11 appearances for the Hammers this term and first burst onto the scene with a spectacular display against Arsenal on the opening day of the season.
Oxford also has versatility on his side and can play in a central defensive midfielder role, like Martin Demichelis.
Guardiola is confident of being able to lure Oxford to the Etihad with Champions League football on offer and an ever-growing academy of youth players.
The Daily Mail also reports that City will turn their attentions to Everton and England defender John Stones if a move for Oxford did not materialise.
