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5 starlets who may have already agreed to join Manchester United next season

By Rucker Haringey

LISBON, PORTUGAL - FEBRUARY 05: Belenenses's defender aguilar tackles Benfica's midfielder Renato Sanches during the match between Os Belenenses and SL Benfica at Estadio do Restelo on February 05, 2016 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)
LISBON, PORTUGAL - FEBRUARY 05: Belenenses's defender aguilar tackles Benfica's midfielder Renato Sanches during the match between Os Belenenses and SL Benfica at Estadio do Restelo on February 05, 2016 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 08: Reece Oxford of West Ham United during Training at Chadwell Heath on February 8, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Arfa Griffiths/West Ham United via Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 08: Reece Oxford of West Ham United during Training at Chadwell Heath on February 8, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Arfa Griffiths/West Ham United via Getty Images) /

4. Reece Oxford

Manchester United won’t have to look outside the UK for all of its youth targets. West Ham starlet Reece Oxford could be a big-time target for the Red Devils this summer.

Oxford has played intermittently for the Hammers this season but his performances have been good enough to catch the eye of quite a few big Premier League sides. Arsenal was rumored to be preparing a bid for him in the January window, but no deal was ever agreed upon. Perhaps his hesitancy to commit his future to the Gunners was related to interest from United.

There’s some question as to whether or not Oxford’s future lies in the defensive midfield or as a centre-back, but I think that plays perfectly into what United will be looking for. Right now they are playing Daley Blind out of position at centre-back largely because he’s such a capable distributor of the ball. Oxford would be a perfect replacement for Blind in time.

West Ham won’t want to see Oxford leave the club, but his contract expires in 2018. This summer may be their last opportunity to capitalize on a significant fee for their prized starlet. Manchester United would be wise to strike early in the summer to make sure Old Trafford becomes Oxford’s new home.

Next: 3. Saul Niguez

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