According to reports from ESPN, Manchester City and Manchester United have been alerted by news of Reece Oxford's contract talks stalling at West Ham.

Is this just a slow news day?

Perhaps. I'm sure City, United and West Ham fans have heard or read virtual carbon copies of this story before. In fact, they've been circling ever since Oxford impressed on his Premier League debut against Arsenal (more on that later) at the start of last season.

But it is certainly true that the Irons are struggling to tie the youngster down to a new deal, with his current terms due to expire in summer 2018. Back in May, it was reported that Oxford had rejected a new deal in East London, although The Daily Mail, who rate the defender-come-midfielder at around £15million, claimed in August that he was keen to re-open contract negotiations.

However, it appears talks have stalled once again, which opens up the possibility of West Ham being forced to cash in before losing Oxford in a compensation settlement deal.

How good is Oxford?

It's hard to say based on just 14 appearances across two seasons. But comparisons with fellow Hammers product Rio Ferdinand are in copious supply and it speaks volumes that Oxford became West Ham's youngest ever player and the Premier League's second-youngest ever starter in the space of six weeks at the start of 2015/16.

Although seemingly a centre-back in the long-term, the 17-year-old is best famed for his dominant display in defensive midfield against Arsenal in August 2015, in which he kept a world-class playmaker in Mesut Ozil quiet as the Irons claimed a shock 2-0 win. The youngster completed the second-most tackles of any West Ham player that afternoon (courtesy of Whoscored):

oxford-vs-arsenal

However, Oxford's lack of opportunities since then is a little worrying, especially considering West Ham aren't the strongest defensively and have conceded 11 goals in their last four games. Perhaps that's not the ideal situation to bring a youngster in, but the limited game-time doesn't stack up against the fact Oxford can play in multiple positions, has represented England 28 times at youth level and is reportedly desired by both Manchester City and Manchester United.

Something's clearly amiss, but ESPN's report does suggest the teenager's frustration in this regard is one of the causes behind talks stalling.