Manchester United are preparing an audacious £8 million bid to sign Reece Oxford from West Ham United in the January transfer window.

The 16-year-old centre back is expected to sign a two-and-a-half year contract at Upton Park when he turns 17 this month, but the club are unable to tie him down for any longer because of FA rules preventing players under the age of 18 from signing three-year deals.

West Ham are determined to keep hold of the teenager, who became their youngest player when he made his debut at the age of 16 years, 198 days in a Europa League qualifier in July, but their resolve is about to be tested.

Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool are also keen on Oxford as they