Manchester United risk missing out on West Ham whizz-kid Reece Oxford because of the uncertainty over who will be manager at Old Trafford next season.
United have spent the last month putting together a £10million bid for the brilliant 17-year-old defender.
They were expected to make their move for Oxford as soon as the Premier League season finished, but official contact with the Hammers has yet to be made.
Sunday Mirror Sport understands that an impasse has developed in recent days as United’s executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward and the American owners agonise over the future of beleaguered boss Louis van Gaal.
Woodward’s resolve to allow the Dutchman to work the final year of his contract next season is being severely tested by United’s failure to qualify for the Champions League.
And signing off on new players has been put on hold.
But that has left Oxford in limbo – and West Ham are now cranking up the pressure on him to sign a new contract to stay in London.
Oxford wants his future sorted before he reports for England Under-19 duty next week.
