West Ham sends exciting youngster Reece Oxford on Reading loan

Reece Oxford has been tasked with trying to shore up Jaap Stam's accommodating backline at Reading.

The 18-year-old West Ham United defender heads to the Madejski Stadium on loan, where he will stay for the remainder of the season amid interest from a host of clubs which wanted Oxford for a temporary spell.

"Reece is a very talented defender with a lot of potential. He is a modern defender and our style of play should suit him," Stam said at the teenager's unveiling.

"Hopefully we can give him the stage to play, the time to grow in confidence and help him develop as a player during his time with us. So it's a good move for both clubs and we're very happy to have him in the squad for the rest of the season."

The Royals are making an unexpected surge for promotion to the Premier League, despite possessing a goal difference that's five worse than 11th-placed Fulham.

Reading travelled to Birmingham City on Tuesday, but Oxford wasn't included in the matchday squad. Centre-half duties were left to Liam Moore and Tyler Blackett at St. Andrews.