Borussia Mönchengladbach have confirmed that they have enquired to make Reece Oxford's loan move from West Ham United permanent after the 18-year-old defender made his Bundesliga debut this week.

Foals' fans were given a first true impression of the English defender when he started against Freiburg in a Matchday 16 defeat. In his short time with the club, he has already made an impression on Gladbach's sporting director Max Eberl, who confirmed talks are underway with parent club West Ham

"He made a good impression in a situation that wasn't easy, playing in an unusual position for him," Eberl said at a Gladbach press conference on Thursday. "We first of all want to keep hold of him after the winter, and we have inquired about the possibilities of a purchase and exploratory talks are underway. Good Bundesliga players are always an interest for us."

A clause in the loan deal means Oxford would have become a Foal permanently had he played a certain number of games before the winter break, but Eberl says he is now not going to be able to activate that clause.

"He's a top lad," Eberl told the Rheinische Post. "He's come on well and we're very happy with him. It takes time to find your feet in the Bundesliga, but we certainly want him to stay. West Ham now have the final say. When our injured players are back, we're going to have quite a strong troop."

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