Manchester United are leading the race for West Ham United youngster Reece Oxford, a source has told ESPN FC.

Oxford, 17, has seen his future at West Ham the subject of speculation in recent weeks amid reports that he had turned down a new deal.

Talks have now stalled and that has alerted all of the Premier League's big guns, with Manchester United long-term admirers of the defensive midfielder, who can also play centre-back.

United are willing to pay in excess of £10 million to secure Oxford and a source has told ESPN FC that they have already sounded out his representatives over a possible move.

However, the Old Trafford side are sure to face competition from rivals Manchester City if West Ham decide to cash-in on the teenager this summer.

Oxford broke into the West Ham first-team at the start of the season becoming the club's youngest ever player when he made his debut, aged 16 years and 198 days, in the Europa League qualifying tie with FC Lusitanos last July.

The England under-17 international made his Premier League debut against Arsenal last August -- becoming the second youngest player to start a Premier League game, at 16 years and 237 days.

The talented teenager went on to make 12 appearances this season and West Ham have been keen to tie him down to a new long-term deal.