Borussia Monchengladbach could still make Reece Oxford’s loan deal permanent, despite the West Ham youngster having only played a minute of football this season.
The 18-year-old, who spent the second half of last season on-loan at Reading, joined the Bundesliga side on a temporary basis in the summer.
However, Oxford has been named on the bench for every single Bundesliga game so far this season, being brought on just once – for the final minute of a 3-1 win at Hoffenheim.
Despite having barely featured, Gladbach’s sporting director says they are looking to make the move permanent.
"He's a top lad," Eberl told German publication the Rheinische Post.
"He's come on well and we're very happy with him. It takes time to find your feet in the Bundesliga, but we certainly want him to stay. West Ham now have the final say.”
There was reportedly a clause in the Englishman’s loan deal dictating that, should he make a certain amount of appearances before the winter break, the move would become permanent.
Despite no-longer being able to reach said tally, the Germans could still pursue a deal.
"We could look into signing him anyway," added Eberl.
"When our injured players are back, we're going to have quite a strong troop."
