Reece Oxford has decided to focus on his career at the London Stadium as he targets a long-term future with West Ham, according to Sky Sports.

What's the word?

After spending last season on loan with Borussia Monchengladbach, 19-year-old Reece Oxford emerged as a permanent target for the Bundesliga side who first outlined their intention to sign the teenager in December, per ESPN reports.

A move looked set to materialise over the course of the close season as Manuel Pellegrini's arrival saw new defensive recruits drafted into the London Stadium in the form of Fabian Balbuena and Issa Diop, which pushed Oxford further down the pecking order.

Sky Sports reported earlier this summer that West Ham were ready to listen to offers of around £10m for the versatile player and clubs in Europe had until the end of August to complete a deal - though that now looks extremely unlikely.

The latest reports from Sky Sports state that Oxford has committed himself to the club and considers himself to be an 'Iron', as he sets his sights on forcing his way into Pellegrini's first-team in East London.

What was said?

Oxford outlined his plans for the season in comments made to Sky Sports, where he suggested he was needed in the first-team and has Pellegrini's backing.

"The manager has expressed his desire to keep me at the club and I want to repay the faith he has shown in me. I'm ready if they need me. I believe they do need me. So I'll be ready."

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Is Oxford needed?

There is no doubt that Oxford still has plenty to prove, especially with fans believing that he has been angling for an exit over the past year, but the news could provide a significant boost to Manuel Pellegrini's side.

Since the start of last season, the Hammers have conceded 74 goals in the Premier League, far more than any other side, and those defensive frailties have not been plugged during the summer - as shown by the defeats to Liverpool and Bournemouth.

While Pellegrini has decent options in the middle of the defence in the form of Balbuena, Diop, Angelo Ogbonna and Declan Rice, the holding midfield position is an area of significant weakness - with only summer signing Carlos Sanchez standing out as a serious candidate for the role.

In Oxford's Premier League debut back in 2016, he shone in that position against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium and he could now be the answer to Pellegrini's problems - with the capability of creating a solid spine through the team alongside fellow teenager Rice.